Blackheath; a poem [with] Lumena ... and various other poems; including a translation of the first book of the Argonautica of C. Valerius Flaccus ..

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BLACKHEATH:

4 DIDACTIC AND DESCRIPTIVE POEM.

LUMENA.

A

TRANSLA TION,

&;c. &;c.

<rifo

Dedicated (hy permission) to her Royal Highness the 16 ^'

Princess of Wales. /'. l fyij-J

6iFi

DEDICATION,

TO

HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

THE

PRINCESS OF WALES.

Madam,

X HIS Volume, honoured
by the condescending patronage of Your
Royal Highness, contains the humble
and unaspiring mental effusions of one,
who sought in the contemplation of Na-
ture, and in the expression of the Muse,
some partial relief from the rigours of
adversity. Happy that the wanderings
of my feet were directed to paths, to

riA

DEDICATION.

which Beauty and transcendent Virtue *
Beneficence and exalted Rank have for
ages resorted; and where, united in your
Royal Person, they have selected their
I'csidence : — Happy that those scenes,
which Nature appears to have endea-
voured to render worthy of your Royal
Presence, were the sources of ideas
which, amid the miseries of want, have
often won my soul from despondency ; —
Happy, unexpectedly happy, that the
feeble breathings of my unelevated lays,
have found favour from your Royal
Attention, I meet the public eye with
confidence, and look forward to future
and higher labours with the energy of
hope.

To fraternal assistance my Volume
is much indebted: permit me therefore,

DEDICATION.

Madam, to blend the devoted and hum-
ble respect of my brothers with my own.

That health and every species of
happiness may, through a long and un-
wearied life, attend vour Royal High-
NESS, is the earnest prayer of him, who,
with the most dutiful respect, and pro-
found attachment, has the honour to
subscribe himself.

Madam,

Your Royal Highness's

Most humble, obedient,

and devoted Servant,

Thomas Noble.

blackheath,

June, 1808.

SUBSCRIBERS.

A.

Henry ABBOTT, Esq. Blackhcath

Mrs. Abraham, Percy-Street.

Major Abraham.

Daniel Alexander, Esq. BlackheatJi.

John Julius Angerstein, Esq. Woodlands, Blacklieath.

Jaraes Annen, Esq. Eliot-Placc, Blackhcath.

Miss Annen, Eliot-Place, Blackhcath.

Mrs. Ashmeade, Paragon, Blackhcath.

Mr. Ashmeade, Paragon, Blackhcath.

Miss Atkins, Bryan-Ilouse, Blackhcath.

B.

Sir Francis Baring, Bart. Lee.

Sir Thomas Blomeficld, Bart. Shooters-Hill.

Miss Baldry, Shad v, ell.

Mrs. Barrett Stockwell.

Daniel Bennet, Esq. Vanbrugh Fields.

Capt. Bond, Blackhcath.

Thomas Boone, Esq, Lee.

Mr, Alderman Boydel, Hamp.stead.

SUBSCRIBERS

Samuel Brandram, Esq. Lee.

John Brent, Esq. Eliot-Place, Blackliealh

Capt. Bright. Greenwich.

H. H. Browne, Esq. Blackheath.

Mrs. Bryan, Bryan-House, Blackheath. 2 Copies.

Miss Bunce, Gower-Street. 2 Copies

C.

Colonel Campbell, Blackheath.
John Christie, Esq. Juu. Blackheath.
Mr. Thomas Courthope, Rotherhithe.
Jesse Curling, Esq. Bermondsey.
Mr. Creasy, Deptford.

D.

The Right Hon. the Earl of Dartmouth.

The Right Hon. the Dowager Lady Dacre. 2 Copies.

The Right Hon. Lady Dacre.

The Right Hon. D. B, Daly, M. P. Bett's Hotel.

Lady Douglas, Greenwich Park.

Lieut. Gen. Davies, Grove, Blackheath.

Mr. Dawes, Rotherhithe.

SUBSCRIBERS.

Dr. Dennison, Broad -St reef, Bishopsgate.
William Dixon, Esq. Black heath.
Ke!inett Dixon, Esq. Throgmorton-Sfroef.
John Djer, Esq. Park Cottage, Blackhcath.

F

James Fairlic, Esq. Eliot Vale, Blaekheath,

Mrs. Faith, Wapping Wall.

Miss Farrington, Blackheath.

Mrs. Fay, Ashburnham House, Blacklieath.

Feme, Esq. Rojal Hill, Blackheatfu

Daniel Flowerdew, Esq. Sir G. Page's Park.
Daniel Freeman, Esq. Chislehurst. 2 Copies.

G.

George Gardner, Esq. Lincoln's Inn.
Mr. Goodson, Union-Place, Greenwich.
Miss Ann (Jrecn, Blackhcath.
J. Gregson, Esq. Throgmorton-Street.
Mrs. Groombrige, Eliot-Place. Blackheath.

B

SUBSCRIBERS.

H.

Robert Hains, Esq. Cromb's Hill, Blackheath.

Thomas Hal!, Esq. Kennington.

Mrs. Hanvvay, Bow House, Blackheath.

John Hays, Esq. Horslydown.

Thomas Hays, Esq. Bermondsey.

Mrs. Horst, Dartmouth Row, Blackheath.

I.

John Thomas James, Esq. Russel-Square.
George Joad, Esq. Dartmouth Row, Blackheath,

K.

J. L. Kensington, Esq. Grove, Blackheath.

L.

The Hon. and Rev. Dr. Leggc, Dean of Windsor
The Hon. Henry Lcgge, Lincoln's Inn.
Rev. Mr. Lane, Prebendary of Hereford.
Capt. Thomas Larkins, Blackheath.
Peter Lawrio, Esq. Blackheath.
Dr. Wm. Lewis, Walbrook.

SUBSCRIBERS.

Thomas Lewis, Esq. Queen-Street, Chcapside.

Rev. Mr. Locke, Lee.

Charles Locke, Esq. America-Square. 2 Copies.

M.

Mr. Munn, Dartmouth Row, Blackheatli.

N.
Her Grace the Dutchess of Northumherland.
George Wyndham Norris, Esq. Surry-Street, Strand.

O.
The Right Hon. the Earl of Oxford.
The Right Hou. the Countess of O.vford.

P.

Hon. William Wellesle}^ Pole, Blackheath.

John Joseph Peele, Esq. Clapham.

Benjaman Philips, Esq. Blackheath.

James Powell, Esq. Lincoln's Lm.

Mr. Preston, Blackheath.

F. D. Price, Esq. Grove, Blackheath.

SUBSCRIBER^.

R.

Mrs. Richardson, Cornhill.

Mrs. W. Rowe^ Grove, Blackhcath. 3 Copies,

S.
His Excellency Sidky Ei'endi^ ./Embassador from the

Porte.
Robert Scott, Esq. Great Coram-Street. 2 Copiesi.
Capt. Sever/ Rotherhithc.
Mr. W. Shepherd, Low Lay ton, Essex.
Mr. G. Shepherd, America-Square.
I. L. Shireff, Esq. Eliot-Place, Blackheath.
J. Sicard, Esq. Eliot-Place, Blackheath.
Robert Smirke, Esq. Albany, Piccadilly.
George Stone, Esq. Hill-Street, Berkeley-Square,
Mr. Stone, Hall-Place, Bexley.

T.

R. Taylor, Esq. Eliot Vale, Blackheath.
Miss Todd, at Mis. Horst's, Blackhcath.
William Tuppen, Esq. Eliot Vale, Blackhcath.

SUBSCRIBERS.

W.

Samuel Wadeson, Esq. Parasfon, Blackheath.
Mrs. Webber^ Vanbrugh Fields.
Thomas Whitcombe, Esq. Blackheath.
Rev. Mr. White, All-hallows, Barking.
J. B. Wienholt, Esq. Kcnnet's Wharf.
John Williams, Esq. Eliot-Place, Blackheath.
Mrs. Williams.

Wood, Esq. of the Hon. E. I. C. Surry-Street,

William Woolcombe, Esq. Sen. Blackheath.
William 1"^ oolcombe, Esq. Jun. Rotherhitlie,

Y

Peter Young, Esq. Eliot-Place, Blackheath,

BLACKHEATH:

OR,

IJ¥ THE SPRIJVG OF
1804.

A DIDACTIC AND DESCRIPTIVE POEM. IX FIVE CANTOS.

u/ien erery MusE

And every biooming pleasure u-aif loithouf

To bless the wUdly-deiious MoR.M.VG Waik.

Thomson.

PREFACE.

W iTH what should an original poem be prefaced? —
with apologies and solicitations of favour ? Surely not.—
If it has need of apoligies, suppress it : — if it is without
merit, solicitations are vain. " But " cries my friend
" the subject of your poem is entirely local, and thcre-
" fore cannot interest the public in general ; and the
" manner in which you have conducted it is desultory
" and unconnected. Throw together a few explanatory
" hints with a sprinkling of satire, or scandal, into the
" form of a slight, careless, preface, if you really expect
" to extend the circle of your readers beyond the pale of
" Greenwich Park, or the sand-pits of Blackheath."---
You mistake me, my good Sir, my subject is not local ;
it is as pervasive as Nature. Blackheath is the name of
my poem, because Blackheath is the name of the place,
where I have most frequently observed the beauties of the
C

viii PREFACE.

creation, and the productions of social ingenuity. BlacR-
HEATH and its environs are better situated for a wide
range" of contemplation than any spot, with which I am
acquainted. Where will you find prospects more exten-
sive that at the same time abound, like these, with the
grandeur of luxurious cultivation ? can you elsewhere
behold the magnificence of a mighty city, so intimately
united with the rural cottages of surrounding peasantry ?
-—the awful waters of a great commercial river, and
the abundant labours of agriculture ? In what other
situation can your eye seize, in the same glance, the
retired residence of a lovely and benevolent princess,
and an august palace, devoted to the reception of those
veterans, who have bled for the country they protected ?
This elevated spot dedicated by a powerful nation to
seience and astronomical research, and yonder wide-
spreading buildings dedicated by individuals to the safety
and protection of commercial wealth ? Not only the
riches of cultivation in all its forms, in orchards, garden-
ground, meadows, and corn-land; but the riches of hu-
man society and of the whole earth, in manufactories,
majestic vessels, and the stores of universal traffic. — My

PREFACE. u

subject is, therefore, not merely local, but as the place,
from which it is named, presents the greatest number of
general objects, and possesses the greatest general interest.
Nor is the conduct of my poem more desultory than what
may be expected from the [title of it. The plan and
leading passages of it were originally nothing more than
what the title expresses; the accidental thoughts of
" A Morning Walk in the Spring of ISOi."— A period
of my life particularly marked with that oppression,
and those necessities, which have given perhaps too
strong a feature to the whole composition. These
leading passages were written in the indulgence of real
feelings, and without any intention to exhibit them to
the notice of the public. If they possess any poetical
merit it is because they are the expression of sensations,
not the researches of thought. It was this species of me-
rit that induced my friends to persuade me to fill up my
outline, and commit it to the press. Aided by the talents
of my brothers Samuel and William I ventured to pre-
pare a volume for publication, which might possess the
beauties of superior embellishment, and by the attractions
of their pencil, and graver, draw some attention to the

iv PREFACE.

productions of my pen. — To dwell upon the vexations
to which an expensive work, undertaken bj a man in
necessity, without any considerable connexions, has been
liable, would be tedious and unsatisfactory. It is enough
to say, that repeated, and cruel, obstacles, and disappoint-
n>ents have retarded its appearance. Now, under the
most benevolent and august patronage, it is presented to
the public. I offer my sincere thanks to my subscribers
for their encouragement : and, since neither my brothers
or myself have neglected any thing that might render the
work elegant and complete, we come forwards, with
diffidence indeed, but not without hope.

Qlrgumcttt

CANTO I.

The appearance of a morning in spring just be/ore sun-rise.
The commencement of the walk. The rexloralion of .\atiirc congenial
to mental hope. Nature affords pleasures to the most humble beings.
The sun rises. The pleasure of contemplating ruins. The ruins
of Sir Gregory Page's seat. The sun becomes more derated.
3Ian alone complains and seems insensible of beauty of the morning.
The happiness of the feathered race compared uith that of man.
Connubial bliss. The grounds about the residence of the Dowager
Ladi/ Dacre described. The tomb of Lord Dacre.

CANTO II.

Invocation to Checrfulntss. The pits near J.cicisham Hill,
Blackhcalh. Ah old xcoman gathering icater-cresses. The maternal
instinct of the ewes. How diJJcTcntfrom human affection instanced
in the feeble and aged gatherer of water-cresses. Sympathi/.
Cheerfulness recalled. The prospect from the point at I.ewisham
Hill towards Lee. The summer house of the Princess of Wales.
The school-boys proclaiming their holiday. The folly of attributing
our greatest happiness to our iifaucy. The prospect from the point
at Leicisham Hill towards Lewisham, Sydenham, ^-c. I'hc wish.

ARGUMENT.

CANTO III.

InvocntioH to the Muse. A general view of the heath and pub-
lic road. Flamsteed house. Astronomy. The view from Flam-
steed Hill. Greenwich Park. The Thames. AJicet of merchant
ships. The salute of the coiiroi/. The IVesi India Docks. The
cultivation of sugar and of honey compared. Commerce. The true
employment of Commerce. Cotton, and the British manufactories
for that article. Wool. The annual meetings of the nobility and
gentry who encourage the produce of Wool. Britain favoured by
Commerce on account of her mamtfaclories. The prospect from
Flamsteed Hill continued. The eastern valley of Greenwich park.
One Tree Hill. Vanbrugh House, the residence of Mr. Holford.
A Greenwich pensioner, on One Tree Hill, observing the vessel, in
which he fought, worn out leilh age and service, coming vp the river
to he broke up at Deptford. Greenwich Hospital. The view from
One Tree Hill, The distant appearance of London with other ob-
jects. Address tv Albion,

CANTO. IV.

Invocation to Independent Mind, Rural Labour the favourite
theme of Independence. The improvements of Agriculture around
the Woodlands. The prospect of the Woodlands, the seat of J. J,
Angerstein Esq. The description (fa generous and philanthropic
Merchant. Agriculture the soitrce of public good, and the safety of
British Freedom from the influence of corrupt Power. Episode;
The ruined husbandman. Address to the members of the British
parliament to protect husbandmen f)-om oppression. Episode; l^a-
coti cultivating a track of waste land for his family.

ARGUMENT.

CA^^TO. V.

The rapidity of the morning hours. The morning hours invoke
frf. Address to the deity. The tcallc continued near the Thames
by Grcemcich Marsh. The woody hills and chalk pits near Charl-
ton. Charlton Church. A group of gypsies retreating to a chalk
hole. Shooter's Hill. Lady James's tower. The suggested evening
prospect from Shooter's Hill. London, the Thames, Eltham, ifc.
The rising of the full ynoon. The suggested noon-day prospect
from Shooter's Hill. Hay-making, The return home.

ERRATA.

BlACKHEATH, Canto III. rer. 349, — for liand read touch.

Argonautica. Iu the latin, after Tcr. 57, iutroiluce tUis Hue,
Talibus hortatur juvenem^ proplorque jubenti
and let the numbers 60, 65, and 70 be each placed one line backwardcr.

BLACKHEATH :

oii,
A MORNING WALK IN THE SPRING

OF

1804.

CANTO FIRST.

How soft the saffron radiance of the morn!
The lucid glow of every golden cloud
How mild ! — How tenderly serene the beams,
That yet rise chastened by the twilight shade
And fill the orient, ere the orb of day
Burns on the horizon : — Let me walk abroad : — ■
The new-born foliage dropt with glistening dew.
While yet a scanty vestment for the boughs

B

10 BLACKHEATH.

Pleasing in palest verdure, and the bloom

Breathing it's gentle fragrance on the air 10

FrojTi every silver leaf, may, with the charm

Of soft congenial influence, waken Hope,

Blythe Hope, bright harbinger of Mental Spring !

Alas ! a deep and dreary winter rests

On my sad days :— a settled sombre cloud 15

Excludes all light and petrifies my powers

With Poverty's relentless frost ! — ^jet Hope

Attracted by the sister Hopes^ that spread

O'er every infant blossom and each blade^

That bursts above the glebe, their silky spells, 20

Arises, trembling, from the cruel grasp

Of pale Despondency and looks abroad :— «

Swift at her touch the enlivening spirits mounts

Waving their opening pinions : Fancy leads

The jocund troop and scatters roses round;

85

BLACKIIEATH. 11

While Hope (all Sorrows silent near her) sings.

The lark that quivers far ahove the mist

Which (lulls the western skirt of yon grey cloud.

And this gay chirpcr from the hawlhorn buds

Shaking the sparkling dew drops are her choir. 30

She sings aloud, tliat^, Nature hath her joys

Even for me: — her constant, tranquil jovs —

That need no treasure, — need no other store

But Sensibility and Peaceful Thought !

" O God of Nature, who hast filled thy works, S3

" With Love and virtuous Pleasure, — grant me Peace I —

" Raise me from Want — and teach my soul Content

" And Contemplation,, — Science and Thyself!"

The Sun is risen : — the wide concave vault
Expands with day : — Life feels the flood of light 40
Pour thro' its every fibre and awakes I

m BLACKHEATH,

The feathered music from each thorny shrub.

Each budding bush or intertangled glade

Darts upward full of song ; andj in the sky

Meets and salutes the vivifying beams. 45

The orient teems with glories ; — every cloud.

And every vapour that obeys the heat

And mantles trembling on the waves of air,

Displays rich sapphire folds, — while fiery gold

Burns on the borders— or, with rubied light, 50

Beneath an ever varying purple gleam.

Whose highest ridge the sober indigo

Deepening, invests, permits the attentive eye

Undazzled for awhile a steadfast gaze.

With what effulgency, — what pomp of light 55,

The roseate radiance streams along the sky !

Here, where the silvery mist, transparent, robe&

The brighter azure, lost in violet tints^

•^^

^

X

x^

V

^•s,'

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*0

tJn'W*'

BLACK HEATH. 13

Tender and tremulous i< dies away ;—

There, with resplendent amber blended,, flames CO

So full a lustre, that the daring sight

Sinks from the venturous glanee and seeks repose

Upon the humble verdure of the plain.

Yet, still the w ide and languid shadows spread
In undetermined forms : — fiir to the west 65

The robe of Night rolls on in ample folds
Slow gathered off the Earth : — from yon high elms
Gigantic shadows wave in shapeless gloom.
While, long secure, behind these ruined piles.
Rests tardy Darkness, uncontracted, stretched "(0

Along yon lioUow vale in deep repose.
I love to tread where Time has strewn the path
With trophies of his power ; there to gaze
XJpon the Historic Muse, who sits sublimQ

14 BLACKHEATH.

Above his crumbling conquests and exults 75

That led by her^ the Soul of Man has saved
Whole ages from the tyrant ; and has left
Nought hut the mouldering stone within his grasp.

But what are these dire ruins ? Here no Muse

Poinis to Historic forms, that glide among 80

Time's ivy'd arches : — Ivy spreads not here

It's sacred mantle '.—Here, no hallowed moss

Is marked with footsteps of returnuig ghosts.

Who haunt for centuries their loved abodes ;

Seen by the eye of Fancy, when the Muse 85

Of awful record deigns with her to rove

Tliro' monumented aisles and nodding towers.

No :— 'mid these walls, where lifts the solid stone

Young from its quarry bed, it's strong, fair bulk —

'Mid these elliptic arches boldly curved 90

By scientific Elegance, — behold

BLACKHEATH. J 3

Pale Avarice stronger than resistless Time,

His victory vaunts — and claims this ruin his !

Hence let me turn — ungrateful Is tlKvscene: —

As when some noble youth, whose perfect form, 95

With strength and beauty and superior soul,

Rising to manhood, full of life and hope.

Deep smitten by the dart of sudden fate.

Falls, like the marble model of a god.

In force and vigour motionless ; — so fell 100

This fabric, ere destructive Time had rocked

It's firm foundations or defaced it's walls.

- — Hence let me turn and quit this mournful scene. —

Distinctly now the lessening shades assume'
The features of their objects : — for the Sun 10;>

Above the clouds, on which, at his approach.
The spirits of ascending light unfurled

16 BLACKHEATH.

His glorious ensigns and proclaimed the day.

Hath soared sublime and showered his radiant shafts*

Illuming the blue concave: — Life resounds 110

With lovie and pleasure — nought but man complains^

He, the least charge of Nature, slowly leaves

His restless slumbers ; — sad with anxious thought.

Beholds his wants, his care*, his toils renewed.

And, mournful 'mid the music of the grove, 115*

Plods pensive to his labour. — Higher swell

Your happy notes, sweet feathered minstrelsy : —

The Spring that round your haunts its fragrance breathe*

That curtains you with verdure — that enchants

Your little hearts, with light and heat and love ; 120

For you creates a heaven on this earth

Full of coimubial bliss and tender joy.

* Hyperion's march they spy nn^glitt'n'ng shafts of war. Gbat.

"BLACKHEATM, 17

Ndr F'AST nor future shall disturb vour song: —

The PRESENT is >our own — it's ecstacies

To you eternal, since ye do not know 125

That winter must again deform your groves

With fitorms and darkness >—0, rejoice, while man

Bemoans his frail existence, — naked gift

Of niggard Nature ; — by disease assailed,*

And with the torturing miseries of thoughtj 130

Regret, anxiety and haggard fear

For ever torn. Her steadfast laws for you

Benign she framed — and bound your tender bliss

With sacred statutes : — she informed your hearts

* To Man, why, step-dame Nature, so severe ?
Why thrown aside th)' master-piece half wrought,
While meaner efforts thy last hand enjoy r

^Vhy curst with foresight ? v/ise to misery i

Why of his proud prerogative the prey ? YoVN'C.

18 BLACKHEATH.

With untaiiglit knowledge — with the simple truths 133
Of innate Instinct — and with-held the power
Of error and of evil — Reason's boast !

Attune your sweetest songs, ye choristers,
Woodlarks and linnets : — ye with darker wing
And softer melody, and ye who chirp 140

A gayer cadence 'mid your playful strains.
And to the morning beams, your golden plumes
Spread sportfully — frequent these beauteous bowers
With sweetest lays ; for here. Connubial Bliss,
That modulates your notes with tender joy, 145

Descending, deigned to dwell awhile with man.

A sacred pleasing impulse Seems to move

Thro' this delightful seat — where Taste has waved

His beautifying wand o'er Nature's works

And animated all the tranquil scene - 150

BLACKIIEATII. 19

With intellectual features : hence this grove.

This flowery lawn — these intermingled shruhs,

Whose various verdure blends in tender tints

Or smiles in gentle contrast ; — hence yon elms, —

This stately beech, wide solitary lord 155

Of the dew spangled meadow — these light boughs,

Whose infant leaves upon the clouded bark.

At every Zephyr tremble — and the shade

Of yon high poplars thrown across the scene.

Combine a verdant aspect mildly gay, 160

Expressive of tranquillity and love.

Ye spirits of terrestrial bliss ! — ye guides
Of human Reason, who disdainful oft

Rejects the happiness ye would bestow

Religion ! — Charity ! — Connubial Love ! 165

Your saered footsteps sanctify this path —

2Q BLACKHEATH,

Thisj your frequented path to Dacre's tomb !

O, wider 'mid the mournful race of man

Extend your power benignant ! with sueh mild.

Such peaceful tenderness^ — such awful hope— 1?0

Instruct the human heart to seek repose ; —

To gazo upon the hovering soul that waits

It's lingering partner — thuSj to hear the voice

That from the tomb delighted speaks of Love^

Of Love eternal ! — thus^ partake the flame 173i

Of Virtue, which for ever inextinct

Lives on the hallowed urn — the irradiate flame

Of Charity — of Hope — of Sa,cred Truth !

And is there Happiness on earth for man ?
Amid the many miseries of Life, 180

While sigh the mighty and repine the rich —
While sorrow sears each mortal with her mark ;--,

BLACK HEATH. 21

And claims us individually her own ;

Is there a way to escape her haggard eye.

All vigilant to find a source of woe ! 185

. — There is ! — So, Nature's constant theme proclaims :

I hear her holy voice : — aloud she sings : — '

Affection — Knowledge — Virtue — Honour— Peace

Catch the soft breathings of her vocal lips

And rise sublime o'er Dacre's sacred dust ! 190

Here will I sit beside this rustic fane,*

* Lee Ciiuncii is supposed to be one of the most ancient Churches
now remaining in England. It is said to have been built in the reign
of Edward 1, The small stream which runs in the valley near it,
over which an elegant iron bridge has been thrown by Mr. Brandon,
in the middle of his improved and beautiful meadows, is mentioned in
old records by the name of the Little Bourne; it joins the Ravensbouru
at Lewisham. The manor /ormed part of the possessions of Odo,
Bishop of Baieux, in the time of William the Conqueror. It was
afterwards the property of Richard Woodville, who married Elizabeth,
widow of Sir John Grey; the celebrated Lady who became the Queen
pf Edward J V,

23

BLACKHEATH.

Whose scathed walls indented deep by Time,

Receive the shadows of the aged elms

That bound it's ancient cemetery : — here pause

Amid the ashes of the countless dead

Whom centuries have laid beneath this mould :-

Here listen to the truths of Nature's song !

195

LLL t III liLli.

BLACKHEATH :

OR,

A MORNING WALK IN THE SPRING

OF

1804.

CANTO SECOND.

V.OME, Cheerfulness, bljtlie daughter of the Spring
Be thou my Muse, — for thou canst chase away
Care and the spectred thoughts of anxious Toil,
That with their urgent and discordant cries
Would break abrupt my meditated song : —
Be thou my Muse ! — this hill my Helicon !*

• If I can be to thee
A Poet, tbou Parnassus art to me. Dexh^m.

g4 BLACK HEATH.

Its beauteous scenes, its lawns and flowery shrubs

Made vocal with the gladness of the morn^

Adorned with tender light and full of thee>

Shall be my themes : — Then hence desponding Grief—'

Hence rankling Memory, sad Regret and Fear — 10

Ve that have still my mournful days possessed.

Yield me this hour, — and let my soul receive

Fair Cheerfulness, my Muse that smiles around !

Lo, in the sun-beams, how the gentle uymph 15

Sportful expands her pinions, — how she drives

The flying shadow of tlie fleeting cloud

From off the dewy verdure, — how she spreads

The mellow light upon the golden heath,—- •

How o'er the shaded violet she bends, 20

Inhaling it's sweet breath ! — Who does not see.

Or think he sees, as yonder blossoms float

Oa the loose breezes, wanton Zephyr press

BLACK HEATH. 25

A sportive kiss upon her smiling cheek.

Scattering the silver leaflets on her breast 2.>

In frolic dalliance : — then, she hastes away^

And o'er yon streani;,* that here and there reflects

Amid it's dark blue willows the gay beams.

Picturing the mingling joys and griefs of life.

Jocund she leads the renovated hopes, 30

And makes e'en sorrow sparkle. — Wayward, swift.

The wide extensive prospect she pervades.

More rapid than the ecstatic soul of Sound

When joyous Music treads the waves of air.

And Echo still repeating the sweet strain.

Darts from the vaulted grot to her embrace, 35

* A small river called the Ravensbouni that mns in the vallej
between Blackheath and the Lewisham hills.

26 BLACK HEATH.

How fair, how gay the landscape glitters round ! — '
Lo, in the front a craggy delve is seen.
Its rugged eastern side in deepest shade
Almost conceal'd, save that the slanting rays 40

Glance, glist'ning, on the topmost weeds that fringe
The jutting hillocks : — Bright the yellow broom
Spreads westward, or beneath the dingy ridge
Waves to the breeze it's undistinguished arold :
While the pale cowslip, e'en within the obscure 4a

Of the dark hollow shews its dewy eyes.
And violets lost in shade perfume the gale.

From the loose sandy cavity, this spring.
Slow oozing, spreads it's wide and plashy bed.
Where water daisies and brown cresses grow 60

Bent by the trickling current : — there a dame
Aged and wretched — crippled by disease--^

BLACK HEATH. 27

Stoops feebly on her crutch aiid culls wild licrbs

With palsied hand. — There, ewes are seen dispersed

Adown the shelving dell and o'er the heath, 55

Scarce cropping the short grass, while bleating loud.

They call their lambs that sport about the slopes.

Who shall explain this fond instinctive care,

This anxious interest in another's good.

Untaught by those reflections, those sweet hopes, GO

That in the human mind depict the days.

When with full joy the mother shall behold

Her offspring rise to manhood, — view in him.

All the best wishes of her soul complete !

Without such aid of hope, yon fleecy dams Gb

Attend their charge, unconcious, — soon forgot.

Whether beneath the cruel knife they bleed.

Or grown mature, they mingle with the flock..

38 BLACK HEATH.

How different if yon withered cripple knew
A darling child : — saw health and vigour fill 70

His form with manliness :— She all day long
Would nurture anxious hope — would talk of him —
Would loll her many cares in him repaid —
Would boast of him, her honour and support : —
When, 'mid her joy, disease, perhaps, or vice, 75

Or the malignant breath of haughty power
Blasted her branch of comfort ! — down she sunk-
Wrecked — ah, more piteously than he whose bark
Long tempest-beaten, hails the wished for port.
And founders in the entrance I — o'er her brain — 80

O'er all the traces of the tenderest hope.
Creeps black Despondency — and in her heart
Thro' every soft sensation darts his fangs.
Till the delirious spirits sink subdued

BLACK HEATH. 29

Into cold torpor, and reluctant life 85

Rolls his dull stream of misery thro' her veins.

But ah, amid a scene so wide, so rich--^
With all the luxury of joyful light
Diffusive round — while Nature seems to feel
The vernal kiss of Heaven's returning care, 90

And with the animated smile of love.
Utters delighted gratitude, — ah why
Dispel the genial pleasures ? — why observe
The obtrusive sorrows of the human heart ?
Is it that wheresoe'er we gaze, they rise I 95

That Nature's loveliest paths are but their stage
WTiere, with the contrast of her beauteous bowers
Their melancholy drama pains the morei
But who upon the gorgeous theatre
Shall fix his eyes admiring, while a tale 100.

\

30 BLACKHEATH.

Bj Pity told in action wooes his tears.
And calls up all the interest of his soul ?

Ever, O social Sympathy, be mine ?
Thou art the human instinct, — and the breast
That can annul thee, ceases to be man ! 1G&

Wide our corporeal wants, — but wider far
The wants of Science, Tenderness and Taste;
Wants of the soul encreasing thro' our lives.
Extend thy general empire : — Thou art all
Of conscious happiness, that's known on earth : — 1 10
The mutual claims of fond reliance — Love,
Duty and generous Friendship flow from thee. —
For what is self ? — not solitary man : —
That monster. Nature knows not : — the mean wretch
Who in the compass of his narrow breast, 115

Confines his hopes and wishes, knows no joy.

BLACK HE ATI I. 31

A deadening stupor is his highest bliss :---

He hath no attribute of man, but form-—

He is not human:— madness, not self-love.

Makes each cncreasing misery all his own, 120

And severs him from pleasure.— But when thou.

Celestial Svmpathy, didst stamp thy law

On reasoning mind and mate our wants pronounce

Man scarcely individual— -a mcer part 135

Of social life, which separate, is nought;—

Then all the Virtues, all the Pleasures rose.

And choirs of generous Duties sang aloud,

" Love one another, as ye Mould be loved :

" By that immeasurable, boundless rule 130

■' Do good to all mankind :— -so shall return

f Tenfold the bliss, wherewith ye seek to bless."

33 BLACKHEATH.

Resume^ fair Cheerfulness, thy dulcet lute.
And 'mid the clear expansive blue of heaven.
Pursue yon lark and imitate his strain.
For what, but the delightful scene beneath, 135

Inspires him?— -What but sunny meads-— bright hills— -
The glow of Nature, bursting" on his heart.
Can tune his voice to such etstatic airs
Of sprightly melody? — Give me his song —
Pour his expressive music through my verse, 14€

And let me half forgetful of all grief.
Share with yon gladsome bird, the charms of Spring.

How far yon cultivated vale extends, —
While eastward wave the darkly shaded elms
In varied groups — between them streams the light, — 145
And o'er yon meadow, — down this furrowed steep, —
Soft brightness, with deep shadows mingled, streaks

BLACKHEATH. 33

The beamy prospect: — Up yon rise, a flood

Of tender radiance, fluctuating rolls

It's ruflled surface, when the young rye bends

Beneath the bpecze, or when a passing cloud

Whose gauzy substance scarce restrains the rays, 155

Throws for a moment o'er the lucid scene

It's hesitating shade.— Yon ancient spire

By it's co-eval elms encompassed round— -

(Where, late, the Voice of Nature touched my car

Loud swelling 'mid the venerable tombs; 160

While the' soft notes of Spring, s>inphonious, seemed

Thro' all their sweet varieties to close

In that deep solemn cadence)— and yon dome,

IVIore fair in contrast with the ebon firs

That wave against it's side, crown the clear slope—- 165

Ere 3et the tender distance spreads, confused^

E

S4 BLACKHEATtt.

Blending the lessening objects :— the faint mist

Thence undulating,— between light and shade—*

Floats the 'mid landscape with imperfect tints: —

Yet there a track of yellow blossomed herbs 170

Shews its bright gold investing the gay hillj—

And the pale green of yonder infant corn

Reflects a softer lustre ;— while the cots

Each lattice catching the refulgent beams,

GHsten like silver stars amid the gloom. 175

Nearer, fair villas rise— there where the hill
Descends abrupt, gay gardens to the sun
Offer their cultured fragrance and his beams
Court with Hesperian fruits and Indian shrubs :—
The cool Ananas— the rich Orange grove — 180

The rose of Candia and such myrtle boughs
As might have shaded the Castalian fount

BLACKHEATH. 35

And crowned Anacreon when lie sang of Love.
There the Pavilion,* with fantastic roof.
Reflects the glistening sun beams, while around 185

Young Vegetation lifts his verdant brows
And in a thousand forms obeys the call
Of genial Warmth :---A beauteous Princess here
Receives the earliest offerings of the Spring-
Congenial Spring, o'er whose celestial front 190
The expanding rose buds breathe, approaching, smiles
Like a beloved sister, who presumes
To aid the wishes of benignant Power,
And share the task of blessing this fair isle.

Hark— -how the shout of youthful merriment 193
Bursts, startling, on the morn:— the jocund troop

* The name of a Summer-house in the garden of her Royal High',
ness the Princess of Wales, situated on the south side pf Blackbeath.

36 BLACKHEATH.

Proclaim their holiday and winged for sport

Bounds buxom, o'er the hillocks :— Loud their joj;,

Elastic, mounting in the sprightly tides.

That flush the full vermilion o'er their chefeks ; 200

Brilliant, as when Aurora's rosy hand

Unfolds the curtain of awakening Light.

Not the wild fawns within some glen remote.

Sheltered from fear by interwoven boughs

Scarce by the sun transpierced,— more lightly leap 205

The blossomed brambles or the mossy rills.

How beautiful when young and void of care

The human soul appears !— that moment's full.

Full to the brim with pleasure unalloyed ;—

While Joy unvalued— quick forgotten Grief 210

Dart thro' each rapid, unremembered day !

Yet, tell me, ye who cherish the fond thought

And with regret review those infant hours.

BLACK HEATH. 37

V^lien, SorroWj with a momentary pang,

Wounded but left no sting-— when airy Joy 215

Fluttered around you on resplendent wing.

Rut scarcely settled;— say, wherein consists

The happiness of intellectual man ?

Is it not in the number of desires.

Whose sweet enjoyment Prudence may permit, 220

Rather than in the dearth of tender hopes

And dullness of oblivion ?---If not so,-—

The brute is happier even than the child,-—

And in your scale of bliss, the purple bud

With only one fair gift of smiling life, 225

Cradled in tender verdure, happier still

With soft insensibility exists;—

But happiest far, the cold unconscious rock

WTiose torpor sheathed the breast of Niobe,

Or modelled by the chissel, mpcks the soul 230

38 BLACK HEATH.

With semblance of sensation.— Drop not thus

Into the silent slumber of the tomb ;—

But gaze with ardent eyes on Nature's charms !

Lo, active Virtue strewing Pleasures round —

Delights to Memory— transports to fond Hope ;— 235

While Science leads the persevering mind

To high, yet mild enjoyments, ever new !

Nor Cheerfulness in such a morning walk

Shall woo in vain thy weary heart from woe :—

She from each object animates some train 240

Of bright reflections— some renewed desires—

And makes us feel how sweet it is to live

While living we increase the powers of life.

How full," -how various spreads the scene around :
The mind dilates o'er all the ample view, S45

Like the expansive radiance of the sun;— «

Black HEATH. S9

but, weak Expression would in vain essay

To copy the rich picture from the sight.

Yonder gay hedges intermingling close

Or like loose net work o'er the distant hill, 250

Seem careless thrown : there, branchless and uncouth

Tall trees aspire, and the low pollard oaks

With their wide branches in the distance, mark

The slowly winding lane :— -yon dell abrupt

Where the thick smoke from the high kiln ascends, 2b'i

Houses and clustering trees of every hue-—

Meadows and blossomed shrubs and flow 'rets wild :---

The glistening Ravensbourn, scarce seen amid

His silvery willows— the loud mill— the herds

That in dark droves low o'er the echoing marsh, S60

The ploughboy's whistle as his side long share

Furrows the steep descent;— the tinkling bells

Of the slow team, that, straining, labours up

40 BLACK HEATH.

The tedious road— the tedious road itself
Lost in the umbrageous vale, whence roofs and boughs
Close mingling rise in tiers— roofs above roofs, 265

And boughs in rich perspective clustering spread
Boughs above boughs, until embraced, thy fane
Proud Lewisham,* who hast seen kings welcome kings.

Nay more, hast seen a joyous multitude 270

Leave the deserted capital to meet

Their grgat victorious sovereign,— high appears

'Mid the thick foliage :— then, receding hills 275

* Lewisham is a very ancient village on the Ravensbourn, and is
famous for having been the spot of many great interviews. In 1415
the Emperor of Constantinople was here leceived by Henry IV. Here
rier.ry VIII. met Ann of Cleves : in the same reign, a deputation here
welcomed the high Admiral of France and Archbishop of Paris. In
1416 the Emperer Sigismund resided here; and in 1474 Edward IV.
here received a convocation of Londoners. At Lewisham also, the
Lords temporal and spiritual attended by the Lord Mayor, Aldermen
and crowds of the inhabitants of London met Henry V. on his return
(rom the conquest of France.

\-

^

BLACK HEATH. 41

»

Of various forms romantic, various tints^

That lead the piercing sight to farther hills, 275

And these to farther, till, more faint and faint.

The pale grey distance mingles into mist.

Floating the horizon with uncertain bounds.

O, if I dared to wish,— so frequent foiled-—
Dared yet again to call on Fancy's aid, 280

And for a moment raise a dream of life,-—
This vrere the moment !---tliis the lovely scene
The theatre of days, which ne'er must be !---
Alas, Imagination, sickening, sighs
And gives-- -reluctant gives— -the faded forms 285

Of that ideal Future,— fondly drawn
In vivid colours, ere the constant tear
Of Disappointment dulled their lucid tints.

p

42 BLACKHEATH.

Yet still the oft built cottage will appear
On this delightful spotj— it's whitened front, 290

Full to the south, resplendent with the sun ;—
While, underneath the thick and curling vine.
The panting Zephyrs wave their silky vans
At every window :— fronting to the east,
A smaller casement, opening to the morn, 295

Should give, uncurtained, to niy wakening eyes
Life's earliest beams:— for nought I'd lose of life-
No, I would grudge each instant, and Repose
His short reign ended, should release my mind.
Fresh kindling with existence '.—straight with me, 300
The mental part of the great dead should wake : —
Virgil or Horace or his deeper truths
Should the persuasive Tully speak again :—
Or Spenser wrap me in his fairy dream.
Or Sharspear hurry me thro' every sense 305

BLACK HEATH. 45

Of trembling feeling,— Or to the theme sublime

Of mighty Milton should my soul attend,

'Till the wide effluence uncreate of light

O'erwhelm me,— or, the dark and hollow vault

Suffused with lucid flame appear and shake 310

Thro' all its echoes with the dire debate

Of fallen Seraphs :— Or, with gentler verse.

Should Thomson lead me thro' the annual path

Of genial Nature and the varying God !

Or, in majestic numbers, should the strain 315

Of Akenside unfold the human mind

And thee. Imagination;— by the light

Of Genius kindled at the eternal throne

Displaying thee,— thee beautiful, sublime.

And wonderful !— Then should the sacred fire 320

That burns for ever in their powerful verse.

Illume my breast and give Ideas life :—

44 BLACKHEATH.

IdeaSj that buried in the daik^ cold grave
Of death-like want, oft mid the silent night
Gleam faintly forth and fondly whisper fame, 325

And group their spectre forms around the shrine
Of Poesy and Science :---they should live-
Cherished should live, my pleasure and my pride I
But not harmonious numbers should absorb
Me wholly ; Science should recal my mind 330

To studies decorate with Truth alone ;
Beauteous without the robes that Fancy weaves.
And to the ardent strength of manly thought.
Most lovely thus by simple Truth attired.
Geometry, with slow and solemn pace, 335

Should at my side explain the forms of things.
And, patient, trace the fluctuating point*

* Those parts uf Geometry which treat of curves are here alluded
lo. The relation, vhich many curves, particularly the circle, bears

BLACK HEATH. 45

Whicli, as the right line bends into the curve.

Unsettled trembles :— -or, indefinite.

The millionth fraction of a viewless grain, 3i0

Escaping human sense (yet, to the mind

A mazj space, where thought perplexed is lost)

Conceals infinity from mortal sight.

Or thou, with all the light of all thv suns,

Shouldst pour thy mighty splendor on my soul 345

Astronomy— and bid my Reason pierce

Thro' vast surrounding systems to that pov\er

to a right or straight line forms a series of investigations wliich
have occupied the attention of all iMathcinaticians and still remains
unresolved. Sir Isaac Newton, by his invention of the doctrine of
Fluxions, endeavoured to overcome tiie difficulties which this incom-
prehensible relation or ratio creates in Science. Cy this wonderful
doctrine we obtain any determineil d.grec of approximation, but the
exact coincidence lies probably beyond the powers of human concep-
tion. We therefore conclude that tlio relation between a curve and
right line exists in infinite minuteness, subject to the same inscrutable
Taws that extend the unsearchable magnitude of the boundaries of the
universe.

46 BLACK HEATH.

Creative and attractive— sovereign Good-"
Felt thro' all space— the cause and sphere of all !

Then not the Hesperian sun^, whose orient beams^
Unclouded o'er the clear cerulian vault 350

Effulgent break,— should more serenely keep
It's purple promise of a beauteous day^
Than should my mind so rising, pour the rays
Of Peace and mild Content and ]>la€id Joy, 335

O'er my uiuuflled life :— my Gracia's love
With anxious tenderness should animate
The still, soft hours :"-the temperate repast
By her prepared, luxurious, should invite
Content and Friendship to the frugal board. 360

Content, from whom each genial blessing flows.
The genuine priest of Nature,-— at whose voice
The Hopes and Fears,— the tempests of our lives.

BLACK HEATH 47

Breathe like light Zephyrs o'er the cahn smooth lake.

Rippling- its sunny surface :— Friendship, too, 363

Free, independent Friendship, Social Mind,

With sentiments unbiased, uncontroled

By timid obligations---strenuous,-— just,— -

Pledged to the cause of Truth, should here converse.

Expand the bosom and exalt the soul. 370

Nor, from the board by Gracia drest, should Lo\e,

Endearing Love, be absent ; v liom Esteem

And the soft Fellowship of jov and woe

And mutual consolation, mutual care.

So fondly nurture, that e'en now the flame, 375

E'en now amid affliction, the bright flame

Sheds such a gleam of pleasure o'er my grief.

That, let my wish be cancelled— let my cot

Shaded with breezy foliage— let my morn

Irradiate with science, blessed with songs 380

48

BLACKHEATH.

Of soul entrancing poets---let my Say

Of placid study, friendship and content.

E'en in idea perish— let me pass

In servile misery all my tedious hours.

Rather than lose that sweet domestic Love,

That lives on Graci\'s lips and soothes all woe.

384

Arch in L.il>v UicHi's Park.

BLACKHEATH :

OR,

A MORNING WALK IN THE SPRING

OF

1804.

CANTO THIRD.

vJ ROVE around lliis blossomed HeatiI with me.

Thou mental Spirit— energy of Song-—

Muse! — (for that name, so frequent heard, thou lovcst.

And oft of old, bv that invoked, hast culled

Sweet flowers of Fancy for thy favoured bards, 5

Shading their brows with amaranth and bays) —

Then rove this heath v, ith me Celestial Muse !

Nor deem my subject mean, tho' my weak hand

50 BLACKHEATH.

Touchj tremulous, the faintly sounding strings.

Or if the scene of rude romantic delves 10

Coated with moss and rich with golden bloom

Delight not now ;— if not the extensive plain— -

Yon mills, high placed and restless in the wind—

This moated mound* surrounded with dark fir.

Where it is said the bones of rebels sleep ;— 15

If not the objects of the busj road.

The rapid horse—- the dust-cnvelloped chaise—

The motley peopled stage— -the trudging clown

* The heatlis ot Kent are remarkable for mounds of earth, sur-
rounded with moats. Bhickheath had many of these mounds formerly,
but, at present, only one remains, encompassed by fir trees, and
forming a picturesque object near the Park Wall. These mounds are
supposed by some to be the buiying places of such as have fallen in the
many rebel armies that have been defeated in this county. On Black-
heath it is said, that Wat Tyler assembled one hundred thousand men.
Jack Cade, under the name of Mortimer, encamped here in the reign
of Henry VI. and here in the reign of Henry VH. the Cornish rebels-
to the number of 20,000 were defeated.

BLACKHEATH. 51

His all upon his shoulders^ sold his cot.

About to sell himself for anxious cares 20

And yon rank city's toilsome misery ;—

If not the herd that heavily move on

Along their clouded path, with hollow sounds

Of feeble lowing and of bleating faint.

And shepherd-dogs with sharp continued bark ;--- 23

If not for these thou deignest the pictured strain.

Yet rove with me and animate my song.

Where Commerce, Arms and Science o'er the scene

From every object breathe the patriot theme I

What tho' no mountain with terrific front, SO

Star-crowned and robed with thunder here denote
This center of mankind*— this social pole—

* It is almost needless to observe, tliat in the following lines, the
Observatory in Greenwich Park is alluded to; from whicli, the eastern

53 BLACK HEATH.

Round which our busied intermingling race

Perpetual move as Commerce guides them round ;

Yet from this beauteous hill, Urania deigns 35

To count her eastern and her ^A'estern steps.

Oft as she treads the circuit of this globe.

Fixing her bright meridian's steadfast ring.

Upon this favoured summit. Here reclined

She meditates the great primeval law,* 40

Which through the vast infinity of worlds.

Was, ere the utterance ceased that bade them, be.

Felt in each center. Or, with mild discourse.

and western Longitude is reckoned on all British maps ar.d globes: Tiie
residence of the Astronomer Royal is still called Flamsteed Mouse, from
Flamstecd the first Astronomer Royal, appointed in l075. The present
is the Rev. Dr. Nevil Maskclyne, who was appointed in 1703. To his
project of a Nautical Almanac, and to his science in the conduct ot it
since the year 1767, is the Navigation and consequently the naval and
commercial power of the kingdom, highly indthttd.

« The law of Cir.ivlt;itian.

Slack HE ATI t. 55

in human diction her hie;h thoughts compressed^

She speaks of Number, Motion, Time and Space, 43

'Till human diction sinks beneath the theme ;

'Till e'en a Newton or a Maskclj ne

Whose swift percepti\e minds precede her words.

Cannot express the wisdom they attain.

Tho' they the rapid series with the slow* 50

Blend in refined relations, — or direct

The flow of endless Number,f endless Space

* LocAUiTiiMs, the invention of Baron Neper, of Merchiston, ih
Scotlanil, are constructed on the aniilogies of two series of numbers.
The natural numbers proceed in the order of their powers and therelore
uilh accelerated velocity : the artificial numbers or Logarithms are the
indices or gradations of the powers and therefore proceed in the common
numerical order. Various species of Logarithms have been formed and
calculated to an astonishing extent by Dr. Hutton of Woohvich, and
by Dr. JNIaskelyne, who superintended those which are published under
the authority of the Board of Longitude.

t Fluxioxs, the first and perhaps the most subtle of the disco-
veries of Sir Isaac Newton, is the Doctrine of the increase or decrease
of (juantity in relation to the regular progress of Time. By seizing the

54 BLACK HEATH.

And by the march immutable of Time,

Compute the varying motion. Language droops.

And leaves us scarce a sense of what they know. .55

Or to the weak perspective* of our sight.

She, Muse of the eternal Spheres, displays

The great sidereal conclaves, where enthroned

Each in his mighty orb, the Powers of Light,

Profuse of vital effluence, sit convoked, 60

Myriads of peopled worlds, attendant round : — ■■

idea of such increment or decrement at each instantaneous formation,
he put a new and irresistible edge to that most acute of all the instru^
ments of human reason, Algebra or analytical Arithmetic.

* The perspective consideration of the Universe, as suggested and
investigated by Dr. Herschel, is one of the boldest conceptions of the
human mind, and yet founded on the simple principles of vision. That
which man has hitherto denominated the Universe is but one Nebula or
assemblage of suns with their attendant planets about their common
center of gravity; and those appearances which astronomers have
termed nebulous Stars, are other similar assemblages, each an Universe
to the minute inhabitants of the planets belonging to its collected suns.

HLACKHEATH. 65

But of our solar star and his vast train

Of planets and tlieir planets, chief she speaks ;—

And of this Earth where circumscrihed we move ;—

While in its mould involvedj ethereal mind, 65

Informs this mortal frame with more than Life :

Then of the Moon, who shares her silvery day

With our nocturnal hours, — at whose approach,'

Ocean, disturbed thro' all his waves, upheaves

His sides saline, and mighty rivers casts 70

Back on their sources ; while the Sylphs of Air,

Dilating their light pinions, rapid, rush

In panting bands, obedient to their Queen.

Of these she speaks : — Old Thames in silence hears—

Fair Commerce leaning on his azure breast 75^

Listens delighted — Naval Power, who like

Some Guardian God involved in fearful clouds.

56 BLACKHEATH,

gits on the borders of his favourite stream.
Stills his deep thunder, and attentive bends.

Gaze eastward from the brow of this gay hill, 80
Whose slopes the blue fir shadows, — there, behold
The proudly swelling river welcome home.
The numerous vessels of- yon wealthy fleet.
Slow and majestic 'mid the embracing waves.
That glistening break against each sea worn prow, 85
They move deep freighted — their long furrowed path
Glows far behind refulgent, while the sails.
Bosomed by native breezes, wide distend
In snowy folds or at the changing helm
Tremble disturbed and throw a wavering shade 9Q

Across the sparkling current: — thus by night,
"When with the softer radiance of the moon.
The full illumined concave smiles serflne.^

BLACKHEATH. 57

Arise light trains of silver vested clouds>
Slow floating on the lucid waves of air.

, Now swarm the busy banks and joyous shouts 9j
Salute the intrepid seamen, who with songs
And loud huzzas reverberate the joy.
T^len from his dark and thunder bcarina: sides
Their tutelary Lion shakes a peal

Of dreadful exultation to announce lOO

The western wealth, confided to his charge.
Protected from the foe, the insidious foe,
MTio like the cruel tiger, trembling, lurks
In his dark den, — then, darts upon his prey,

Unfold yon lofty water-gates — for lo ! 105

The river Tritons heave the eddying flood,
H

58 BLACKHEATH.

And through their gurgling shells, impatient, pour

Deep murmuring music: — 'mid the sedgy marsh

Behold the tropic Goddess moves along

Upon the rushing waters : — Commerce hails 110

Her lovely friend, and bids her palace rise

Beside the margin of a placid lake*

Where the dark tempest breathes not. — There her cane

Pours copious streams of juices, that surpass

The honied treasures of the peopled hive. — 115

Ah, would that cane as innocently grew

As the wild thyme that vests the mountain's side !

Where, while the dew hangs glistening on its leaves.

And the moist zephyrs of the morning breathe

Its fresh perfume, the winged labourers swarm, 12Q

Jlxtracting, eager, from uninjured flowers

* The West India Docks, on the Isle of Dogs.

ULACK HEATH. 59

iDelicious wcallli — for which no brother bleeds !

For which no hive of duskier wing, enslaved.

Toils groaning, on the scorching southern steep.

Till the hot sickening air dissolve their bonds, 125

And misery, at length with life, expires !

O Commerce, wilt thou still pursue the steps
Of cruel Avarice ? — Lo, beside him stalk
Across the darkened regions of the earth.
Rapine and Death — and clanking dreadful chains, 130
Vindictive Slavery, muttering forth revenge !
Thee, gentle intercourse of our wide race,
Mingling the toils and wants of every clime.
And making one great family of Man,
Thee, Science, thee Philanthropy implore — 135

To thee. Philosophy with solemn voice
Assigns delightful traffic — to difluse

GO BLACK HEATH.

Fair Nature's varied blessings o'er the globe I —

To solace the rude tenants of the pole

With fruits that ripen in the tropic sun !— 140

To store the ice-barr'd caverns of the North,

With that bright fluid which the mellow grape^

On Ebro's banks distils, or where the Po

Thro' purple plains rolls his harmonious stream:—

To waft Arabian fragrance and the breath 14&

Of India's fervid spices thro' the air.

Where the pale Frost sits silent, fixt as Death,

In dreadful solitude!-— 'Tis thine to cuU

The silvery cotton's vegetable fleece.

Whether its flossy filaments arc seen 150

Like floating snow o'er Ganges' tepid waves.

Or whether as the sea-breeze faintly pants

Upon the Atlantic isles, with downy showers.

Wayward, it fills the undulated air;—

BLACKIIEATII. 61

'Tis thine to bear it to the British loom, 153

Where in light woofs the tender texture grows.

Swells into folds transparent, or entwines

A close soft fabric with its mossy threads.

Had I the pastoral reed, that Dyer's lips

Touched with sweet descant, I would make resound IGO

Thy favoured stream, O Commerce, and these hills

That rise in gentle verdure from his chores.

With praise of thy chief treasure.-— Hark, the vales

The flowery mountains, the extensive plains

Of this blest Island, bleat aloud the theme ! 165

From the mild borders of the gentle south,

W here the wild rose and woodbine freely yield

Their fragrant breath, far as the northern rocks.

Where Scotia hears the indignant Ocean heave

The heavy Arctic fetters from his limbs, 170

And roar enraged around her echoing coasts.

62 BLACKHEATH.

The fleecy vesture spreads.— The cheerful swains

Proud of their numerous flocks— proud of those cares

That make Britannia richer from herself.

Than when she grasps each India and exerts 175

Her awful strength to keep them both her own.

Meet emulous and crown with festive song

Their patriotic labours: — every hind

Who watched the fold thro' many a wintry night, .

And rested not until his charge was housed, 180

^Yhen from the dismal east, the dark thick sleet

Fell transverse, driving thro' the turbid air.

Rejoices now with Nobles of the Land,

Who love this Island more than guilty spoil

And Indian homage— and with fond delight 185

Nurture the sinews of its native strength I

BLACK HEATH. 63

For what but its internal stores of wealth.
The wealth of Toil and energies of Art
Dost thou, O Commerce, claim this Island thine?
For what but that creative force of mind, 190

That calls the uncouth produce into form.
And makes the iron ore out value gold?
For not where nature with profusion pours '

Unlaboured plenty o'er the sickening clime.
Not where on unpruned boughs the full fruit bursts, 195
And disregarded yields its nectared flood
To the hot sun ; not w here sweet odours sleep
Upon the motionless and heated air
And with oppressive languor lull the soul;—
No— nor where pleasure presses the rich giape, 200

While the bright foliage casts luxurious shade.
And soft voluptious melody consumes
The enervated perceptions, wilt thou fix

64 BLACK HEATH.

Thine empire, Powerful Commerce:— Iho' beneath

The branching verdure, 'mid the dusky fruit 205

The tender worm weave there his silken tomb;—

Tho' there the streams display their golden sands;—

Tho* there the Nereids bind their hair with pearls

And plant the coral round their glittering grots;

Not there, tho' diamonds thro' the glistening earth 210

Dart forth pellucid radiance, wilt thou deign

To set thy central throne!— But here, where mail.

Performing the high task by heaven assigned.

Improves for general use each several good

Of every climate; ---here, thy realm endures; 215

And Britain holds from thee the high command

To bless with all thy cares the human race.

Her Manufactures form thy power and pride ;---

Whether Salopia moulds the vitreous vase.

Or skilful Sheffield into wond'rous shapes 220

BLACK HEATH. 65

jFashions the lucid steel — or Birmingham,

^^ itli plastic touch, compresses the rude ore

And makes it bend to all the wants of man; —

Whether the wealthy loom, with powerful grasp.

Connects the mingling flcec?, •--whether those stores, 223

(The rough unshapen produce of the world.

Which all its nations heap upon these coasts)

Are wrought into new fabrics, and again,

Encreased in value more than if the hands

Of the Mygdonian monarch had embraced 230

Each bale transmuted, they by thee are borne

Back to their native clime, or, oer the globe

In various ports delight and aid mankind : —

Still, whatsoe'er the labour, thou beholdst

Thy sceptre here supported, and it's sway 235

By Industry and generous Art preserved.

06 BLACKHEATH.

Broke into gcnile vallieS;, lo the hills
Yield sloping— -where the bough that Maia loves.
The blossomed ha-vA'thorn, spreads its snowy wreatli.
The halcyon chaplct of the genial year : — 24Q

In long majestic vistas, yonder elms
Extend their solemn ranlcs :— the Iberian beech
Waves wide its ample arms and leafy robes, —
While crested with light pyramids of bloom
Castania graceful spreads her tufted form, \ 2iot

A canopy of foliage o'er the path ; —
And deeper shaded pines, with azure gloss
Floating luxuriant on their clouded boughs.
Hang their dark tresses down the shelving steep.
Already o'er the hill's more shady side, 25Q

Where yet the dew bedrops the moistened herbs.
The motley deer spread numerous, and this vale.
Thro' which long shadows from each ridge oblique

\

"A

BLACKHEATII. 67

Stream faintly, is with many a straggling group

Loose scattered o'er. Proud of its lonely elm,* 255

Yon height protrudes its brown and arid brow,

A contrast to the verdant banks around : —

Turrets with mock antiquity and spires

Envelloped in thick verdure, farther rise.

In darker forms, obtrusive 'gainst the beams, 260

That, spreading from the east, preserve soft tints

Of palest yellow, wl:eresoe'er the morn

Throws her light veil upon the lingering clouds.

O, might I wander 'mid so fair a scene.

My mind unburdened with diurnal toil, 265

How often would I fix my gaze on thee.

*OneTree Hill, rises on the North East part of Greenwich Park ;
beyond it and without the walls of the park, are Vanburg Fields,
famous for buildings in grotesque or antique architecture. That which
was built by Sir John Vanburg, is said to be after the model of the
the Bastile, and was called the Bastile House; it is now called Vanburg
House,

68 BLACKHEATH.

Expressive Muse and strive to win thy song'.

That holds the tinted landscape in its verse.

Glows with the sun — pants with the ethereal breeze.

Or rolls, in meditated eloquence, 370

The philosophic theme of Truth along !

Pensive beneath yon solitary elm.
An aged seaman sits : — fixed is his eye
On the rcfulg-ent stream that flows below.
Where the rich radiance, an impervious mist 275

Of brilliant light, plays on the sparkling waves.
And with suftusive lustre veils the scene.
His only arm o'ershades his aching sight.
That pierces, anxious, thro' the dazzling air.
And rests upon its object (scarcely seen, 280

Yet known to the best feelings of his heart)
The vessel that he fought in from his joulh :—

BLACK II EAT il. 60

Shc^ on whose deck he oflen joined the shout

Of battle and of victoijj — she, whose sides

Enclosed the field of all his inaulj forte, 283

The scene of all his friendships :— not a plank

But bears some mark of blood, which once he loved !

On this side, by the foremost cannon, fell

His own right arm, wl.cn in pursuit she spread

Her crouded sails, and on the dastard foe 29Q

Bore down Britannia's thunder. — Slowly now.

She drifts up heavily upon the tide :

As when an eagle, wounded in 'mid air.

On languid pinions motionless awhile.

Floats on the aerial current, so slie moves, 295

A shattered burden on those very waves.

That often with their sparkling spray have kissed

Her welcome prow and, resonant, have dashed

Th;!ir silvery spume against her rapid sides.

to BLACK HEATH.

But ahj more swift than when the courted gales 300

Swelled her expanded canvas, does the mind

Of this poor mariner retrace her course

On distant oceans : — by the tempest driven

He braves the mountain billows, or, involved

In all the dreadful dissonance of fight, 305

Rends down the colours of the boarded foe !

On his rough brow Remembrance fondly gleams :

His brightened cheek thro' all its winkles smiles :

While frequent 'cross his eye, his moistened sleeve

Drawn hastily, wipes off some starting tear. 310

For you, ye Naval Warriors, you whose arms
The trident sceptre of your Country's power
Fearless sustain, and with it's terrors shake
The shores of distant nations— yes, for you
Your grateful Country frames the fondest cares. 31 a

BLACK HEATH. 71

What time, yon Palace* reared its glistening domes.

And on the borders of the elated Thames,

Magnificient upon i(s pillars stood.

Then spake the patriot Monarch—" Not for me,

" Tho' for the Sovereign of so fair an isle, 320

" A dwelling thus majestic, well might suit ;—

" Yet rather, let the veterans of the main,

" Let those who on our widest empire blcedj

* Greenwich Hospital stands on the scite of a Royal Palace
built by Humphry, Duke of Gloucester, and called Placen/ia or the
Manour of Pkasaunce. That palace was the favorite residence of many
Kings and Queens. Henry VIII. was born at it, as were his children
Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth and King Edward VI. Charles II.
intended to rebuild it, and completed one wing at the expence of
^36,000, but James II. was too much engaged in his bi"otted and

' ' to o o

false politics, to attend to works of art, and it was left in that state
until the reign of AVilliam and Mary. From that amiable Queen,
originated the design of converting the palace into an hospital for
disabled seamen ; by her persuasions, the plan of the rest of the
edifice was rendered subservient to those purposes, but it was not
until after her death that her intentions were put into execution.

72 BLACKHEATH.

" Find here a liome— find solace and repose : —
" Here let the voice of praise — their country's praise —
" Sound loud and gladful : — here, let the cheering hand
" Their country's hand, sustain their drooping limbs,
" Bind up their wounds and pour the generous balm
" Of patriotic love o'er all their pains !"

O, could ray verse the mighty tlieme sustain, 330
And like the flood of yonder copious stream.
Roll upward, and with elevated course
Bear Britain's Commerce, — then the Patriot Muse
Might with her awful numbers aid my song, —
And as the ocean pours his mighty waves, 335

Dark with the crouded sails of every port
Upon the rising waters of the Thames,
So thou. Celestial Harmony, should'st pour
Thy resonant verse abundant with the fame

PLACKIIEATH. 73

Qf Britain's naval and commercial slrong:th 340

Info my dariiii>: accents :— -Then, tlie.sc heights

With ail their echoes should repeat ni}^ notes,

•These groves retain them and delij^htcd Thames

Command his vessels from their thundering sides

To utter the deep cadence. But, to me 345

Such awful strains belong not :---ror, my hand

That, unsupported, veutured to awake

The British Lyre and to the lofty theme

Essayed the music of its deep toned chords;— -

Weak— faultering— struck the notes with palsied hand : —

The solemii notes, with cadence indistinct, 350

TJpon the silent sighs of air expired.

Yet while from this delightful hill I gazCj
vA.nd trace the river as it bends it's course

U BLACK HEATH.

Round many a headland,— winding, slow, along 35;/

With gfentle majesty, — while I behold

The anchored tessels lie like cltisteripo- townis

Buojant upon the waters — Or, the barks

That dip their bending sails and onward dart

Swift as, with moistened whigs, the swallow skims 360

Across the surface of a silent pool ;—

While yonder naval palace rears sublime

Its glistening cupolas, the noble home

Of the bold seaman !— -where the mighty Queen,

Elizabeth, who round these echoing <'oasts 365

Extended hfer winged barriers, thunder-fraught.

And shook the astonished empire of the deep.

And claimed that empire, first drew vital air ;* —

While thro' the cloud that stagnates in the west.

* Queen Elizabeth was born at the Palace of Placentis, on
7th September, 1753.

IJLACKIIEATH. 7;)

iloniul whose dark sides the smoky volumes roll, 370

Yon mip:hty c\t\ lifts his j^leamy spires.

And stretches his enormous bulk alons:

The loud resounding borders of the Thames ; —

While wliercsoeer I tinn, the world's groat mart.

With all the mingling interests of maiilvind, STTj

Appears before me, let nie bolder sweep

A louder chord and, ardent, speak to thee,

Albiox, m}' country !— of tliy Commerce speak—

And call thy merchants to attend my strain !

Proud, wealthy, powerful Albion-— placed by God 380

Amid his world of waters, that thy liand

Might hold secure the bonds of social good.

And make the partial blessings of the sun

Common to all his creatures;— O revere

The solemn duties of this high behest !— 83;^

Distain not with OppressioD,---}ior with blood

76 BLACKHEATIJ.

Of guiltj conquest,— -nor M-ith Slavery's tears,—

Nor 3ct with sordid Avarice tlicat sway,

Wliicli, like the wide diffusive liand of Heaven

Slioiild scatter plenty— and o'er all the earth, 300

Pour Sympathy, congenial Interest, Love,

Iinmeasurablv foith. — What time the voice.

Omnipotent, of the Eternal shook

Thy parted shores and rent thy chalky rocks.

And thro' the dreadful chasm poured the deep seas, 393

Loud shouts were heard in Heaven and Seraphs sang,

" Freedom and Justice and Commercial Power

" Beneficent, uniting all mankind

" By g'ood reciprocal-— yon Isle is yours !

" Make ye it's hills and vallies ring with joy — 40O

" With plenty crown its meadows, — let the Arts

*' Frequent its paths delighted, and let Peace

" Sit undisturbed upon it's lofty rocks.

IJLACK HEATH. 77

And smiling view the bulwark of the waves
' That chaff thoir ipchoing bases. For, above 405

" The cruel ^lory of the conqueror's fame,
" The splendid woes of triumph, and the shouts
" That thro' depopulated regions roll
'" Their dreadful celebration, — shall arise
" The INIercliant's honoured name : — with blessings, he
" Shall vanquish nations, — he .shall strew the waste 410
"' With generous plenty, and the barren rocks
" Where t!ie red sun upon the horizon gleams
" W ith torpid radiance, or where burning skies
" Pour downward, vertical, their torrid fires;-— 415
" Tracks where no human ever breathed before,
" Shall sound whh population ; while subdued
" Nature herself shall yield and own the power
" Of human Reason:— the united power.
" Oflntetest, Benevolence and Art." 420

58 BL^CKHEATH.

Thus sang the sacred chorus : Freedom reared
Jlis beamy forehead 'mid the holy host.
And fixing on these promised plains his sight.
Smiled such irradiate transport, that the heavens
Shone brightenedi and the awful Source of Light 425
Gave sign of gratulation !*-— Justice gazed.
Joyful, as when prophetic Hope illumes
The abvss of Time and pictures loveliest scenes
With tints transcending Nature : — Commerce rose
More beautiful upon the lucid waves, 430

Tl^an young Dionc, when suffusive light
Empurpled all the Ocean where she stood ;
And the bright drops, like pearls of orient hue,
polled o'er her polished limbs : more Joydy fi%r

* The Earth

Gave sign of gratulation and each Iiill: Miltox.

■■ «• ■

BLACKIIEATII. 79

The Power of Commerce rose and smiled benign: 435

The varying breezes swelled her floating vest.

And gcr.fly broke the sea's explainsive calm

AVith silvery unduliition :— round her car

In crouds the little nautili were seen

Hoisting their filmy sails and o'er the waves 440

Extending their iinumierable fleet;

While, armed like Love, appeared Magnetic Power,

A cherub form, who shook his dine:v winirs.

And shot his rapid arrows towards the north.

And still are Freedom, Justice, Commerce ours? 445
Still does the independent strength of Truth
Uphold thy throne, O, Britain? — O remain
tJnsevered from fair Freedom, who alone
Pours forth that reasoning Life, which animates
Collective man, — those beams of Social Ri<>rht 450

80 BLACKHEATIi.

That vivify with individual worth

Each member of the state. Let Justice reigu.

With mightj arm uplifting the oppressed.

And hurling the accurst oppresor down.

E'en from the pinnaclp of countless wealth ! 455

Else, shall corrupted Commerce pine away.

And bloated Luxury and Avarice seizq

Thy unprotected laws:— the stranger, then.

With caution shall avoid thy dangerous marts

And from his ports exclude thy specious sails, 460

With plunder freighted, by the greedy hands

Of cruel Rapine, and no longer stored

With Manufactiire's famed, and high wrought toil !

But while with Freedom and with Justice blest.
Thou need^st not fear the vaunts of envious powers. 465,
fru^ Commerce views her ?afety in those laAvs,

BLACKHEATII. 81

That blend the human duties and regard.

Like lieaven itself, each individual claim.

Merchants of Albion, then, support those laws !

Courted by them alone. True Commerce here 470

Wafts her whole wealth ; — here, centers her wide realm;—

Of which the vast circumference surrounds

The human race. Whether the Atlantic waves

Amid her far extended fleet she treads.

While western breezes from her sunny breast 475

Distend the full folds of her flossy robe

And bend the high plumes of her tropic crown ;

( Meantime the far extended fleet pursues

Her watry steps, their guide her sceptre cane

Dropping luxurious sweets) — to you she comes ! — 480

Or, like some bright Sultana, moves she forth

From the secluded chambers of the East,

82 BLACK HEATH.

Where Merchants sit enthroned,— the Monsoon knows

The appomted time, and from Arabia wings

His odorous car to bear her onward :— slow — 485

Sublime, she floats above the lofty prow

Of some majestic vessel : — orient pearl

Bedrops with snowy light her raven hair :™

Her loose, light, silken stole, at every breath

Of vagrant air, throbbing expands, and yields 490

Fresh spicy fragrance to each scented breeze ;

She comes to you, — to you in triumph leads

The riches and the empire of the world !

For you, a ruder vest she not disdains.

But dares the horrors of the dreary pole, 495

Where the dark tempests, fearless of the sun.

Roll their eternal adamantine waves.

Clashing continual ! — direful dissonance!

The shaggy monsters of the dismal coast,

BLACKHEATH.

83

Amid their periodic death, ahirnied, 500

Shake shuddering their hoary sides, and howl.

And tremble thro' their trance. E'en there, for you.

Intrepid Commerce urges the bold bark.

In stormy chace, to track the enormous whale.

That sports upon the surges, and on high 505

Plays up his torrent-spouts upon the wind.

She hurls the heavy harpoon spear, and holds

The rapid cord, tenacious of its prey ;

While the surrounding waves enchafed arise.

And in tempestuous agony descends 510

The tortured monster. — Faintly from the deep

He lifts his panting bulk : — the billows foam

With his convulsive pangs, and 'gainst his sides

Break threatening :— while at every gasp he casts

A double flood, tremendous, towards the heaveriS. 515

Then swift another hurtling harpoon flies,,

84 BLACKHEATH.

And trembles in his palpitating hide :

Again he sinks in Ocean's depths, — again

Exhausted rises : in long sobs he sucks

The sickening air, and slowly to the sky 520

Throws a red deluge : dragged by the tightening ropes

He moves constrained :— a crimson furrow streaks

His lengthening wake: — when lo, a third time pierced,

A third time plunging in the deep, he groans ;

Then floats, upturned, upon a sanguine sea. 325

These toils undaunted Commerce dares for you ;

Nor these alone :— for you she seeks the haunts

Of every furry tribe ; whether amid

Siberia's dreary deserts they conceal

Their downy robes, the pride of regal pomp ; — 53Q

Or sheltered in the pine-crowned rocks that spread.

Their gloomy horrors o'er the unjjcopled tracks

Of the vast western continent, they hope

BLACKHEATH. $$

Concealment from the eager eye of man.

For you she calls the savage Indian forth 535

From dark retreats^ where, half the year engnlphed.

Beneath an alp of snow he dwells entombed.

To traverse wilds immense, and to your marts

Bring his rich spoils.-— For you the fearful tracks

Of dreary Afric's howling solitudes, 540

Where the hot earth burns dreadful to the tread.

And seas of sand roll on the fiery air.

And thirsty Lions roar, and the dark Snake

Rears high its panting throat, darts its dry tongue

And hisses loud for blood ;— e'en there, for you, 545

Roams eager Commerce : there the wily Moor

Or darker Ethiop, or from Niger's shores

People unknown by name, she fearless meets ;—

Or joins the wealthy Persians' wide array.

When superstition and desire of gain 650

86 BLACKHEATH.

Blend their thick ranks, and move along the waste.
Thusj every good^ the growth of every clime.
Unwearied Commerce heaps upon your shores';
And hids all nations venerate that Isle,
Which, like the eternal treasury of Heaven,
Is with the blessings of mankind replete.

HESfiBVUlH IN OftLiiNWiCU-PAait.

BLACKHEATH :

A MORNING WALK IN THE SPRING

1804.

CANTO yoi Rlil.

JI^J^AiL Independant Mind ! whom every Muse
Wooes, with celestial numbers, to her bower ;
Where, with irradiate bloom, the eternal rose
Bends o'er the never-fading amaranth, and sheds
Perpetual odours on the ambrosial air ! —
Hail, Independant Mind ! whom science loves.
And leads, delighted, 'mid the wonderous works
Of him who called existence from the void.

88 BLACK HEATH.

And breathed perception thro' the torpid clay !

Thee, Wisdom honours !— Virtue wings to thee lO

Her anxious flight, and glows in thy embrace !

For thee, expressive Nature fondly spreads

The dewy verdure, and the blossomed wreath ;—

Fills the whole air vvitli radiance ; — tints the clouds

With all that rich diversity of rays, 15

In loose refraction, trembling thro* the sky !

O, may I frequent meet thee ! — whether Morn

Unveil her blushing forehead, and the hand

Of ardent Fandy strike the ethereal Lyre,

Inviting thee o'er faintly-purpled hills ; — 20

Whether thou hear'st fair Evening, 'mid her shades,

Wooe thee in whispers softer than the breeze.

That fans the trembling foliage of the grove.

Where Contemplation pours her soul to thee ; —

Whether amid the innumerable stars, 25

BLACK HEATtt 89

Whose rapid rays thro' all their distant tracks

Dart trombliiig-, thou pursuest unchangina: Truth,

And, in the deep profound of Night, dost move

Along the orbits of the wandering globes.

Learning those laws ( Creation's awful bonds ) 30

That sway Infinity ; — Or whether midst

The walks of human life thou deignst appear.

And hearst the murmurs of tumultuous day.

And strivest to stem the impetuous flood of vice.

That overwhelms the energies of Man ;— 35

O may I frequent meet thee ! — frequent feel

Thy sacred impulse elevate my soul.

And, full of thee, contemn the oppressive world I

Hail, Independant Mind! — for surely now,
'Mid the pure air of such a radiant morn, 40

M

90 BLACK HEATH.

I see thee rising from the clouds of care.

And, farther— swifter— -than the solar beams.

Darting the clear effulgent light of thought !

O might I win thee with some votive lay

To shine with stedfast radiance o'er my path ! 4a

The song of Rural Labour most thou lovcst : —

The song of Rural Labour ; when the Earth,

Responsive to the cheerful toil of Man,

Smiles wide around thro' all her waving plains.

Nature herself gave Rural Labour birth : — 50

And when she bade him, strenuous, seize the plough.

And sow the broken glebe with peaceful wealth.

Thou, Independant Mind ! around him— (like

The animating presence of a God) —

Divinely beamed :— beside him Freedom stood : 55

Suspended on her spear, her helmet rung.

In martial sport secure;— but, quick resume(T,

BLACK HEATH. 91

Appalled each Tyrant with its awful gleam I

Then Meditation, Memory, and Song,

(The Muses' earliest names* ) pour'd solemn strains : 60

They taught Mankind obedience to just Laws;

Domestic duties ; — Patriotic Love ; —

And the firm policy of social strength !

They sung the genial produce of the year ; —

The varying Heaven with its directing signs ;— 6.5

Plenty and health ; gay vigour and content :

While thou, delighted with the sacred la}'.

Glowed with diffusive fervour wide around !

O would they now, descending on my path, 70

From this rich prospect deign select their theme ;

* Pausar.ias Musas tres connumerat, quas ait ab Aloi-i filiis

Oto et Epbialte sic noniinatas, piimam scilicet MiX£T»iv, hoc est
Meditationem: secuntlam M»>j;^>i», hoc est I^Iemuriam . tertiatn 'Amor,,,
hoc est Cantilenara, ((uod non ratioiie carere videbit is qui rem altius
scrutari voluerit.

Lil. Greg, Giraldus de Musis.

93 BLACK HEATH

This prospect, like Sicilia's lovely plains.

Where Ceres first, with wheaten chaplet crowned.

Enraptured, saw her long sought daughter raise*

Her golden tresses o'er the yielding glebe, 75

And for awhile, permitted, leave the throne

Of gloomy Pluto for her Mother's arms ;

This lovely prospect, like Sicilia's plains.

Might bloom eternal in celestial verse I

O then might I, with imitative lore, 80

Breathe forth the fainte-st cadence of their song.

Then would I win thee, Independant Minb,

To bless my Morning, and sustain my Day !

Nor will the Muses hence, in silence, turn.

' Vroserpinam vei'o quasi segetem voluerunt, id est teirani radicibus

proserpentem, quoe et 'Ej-.ar))'" grsece dicitur: lyarli/ er.im gra^ci! c«i^«»j

sunt: et ideo hoc illi nomen imponuntj quia ccntuplicatum Ceres

proferat fructuwi.

Tul^cntii Mythol.

BLACKHEATH. Ji3

Where in soft wavy verdure spread the banks 85

Of yonder woodlands !— -o'er the uiievcu jrround

(Tlie long herbs throbbing; to the gentle breeze)

Contend the light and shadow, tremblingly : — ■

Thro' every break, between the hillocks, streams

Reflected radiance from (he silvery Thames; 90

Or some swift vessel shews its snowy sails.

Quick glancing past.-— The beech and lofty oak.

The azure fir proud of its pendant robes.

And the fair ash bending its graceful form.

Together blend their luxury of shade, 95

Sprinkled with fluctuant lustre from the rays

That pierce, half checked, amid the infant leaves.

'Tis here the generous Merchant finds repose,—

Courts Nature, — seeks that intellectual wealth.

Which, from filestores of Taste and beauteous TruthjlOO

Yields never-fading splendour : — here h^ weighs

94 BLACK HEATH.

The real worth of riches ; — hears the claims

Of Industry and Art ; and as the sun

Throws from his orb of congregated light.

Liberal, the beams of life ; so from his stores lOS

The powerful Merchant spreads with copious hand

The social blessings round. The canvas breathes.

For he sustains the artist : — The rough stone

Melts into all the impassioned forms that fill

The sculptor's mind ;— for liberate from care 110

Each bright idea reigns with ardent force.

And, like the great creative energy.

Lives on the yielding marble. Nor alone

The arts of Taste, but those of ruder mould.

That purchase social life with urgent toil, Il5

Encouraged by the Merchant, rise intproved

In honest emulation : hence the fleece

With finer threads repays the shepherd's care.

BLACK HEATH , 95

And from the loom in softer fabric spreads

Its downy folds : <ind hence tlic ca2,er plough 120

Grasps with unwearied share the barren heath.

Till Plenty smiles upon the vanquished glebe.

And waves her wlieaten tresses wide around.

Won from the waste yon furrowed track extends
Its teeming bosom, whence the human food 125

Bursts forth from every pore ! Hail genial sight ! —
On each green blade that struggles thro' the earth
Hang blessings, drawn from Heaven by the prayers
Of the delighted poor ! — For more— far more,
Js he the benefactor of mankind, J30

Who wrests one acre from the steril waste.
And bids the corn supplant the plumy fern.
Than he who strews his native plains with ore^

96 BLACKHEATH.

And scatters with luxurious hand around
The envied produce of each distant clime.

Revel ye Rich, in foreign luxuries ; — 135

Unsated spread whate'er the glowing earth
Yields to the fervour of the tropic sun
Wide o er your sparkling boards ; — but let the poor^
Who on his country's bosom seeks his bread.
Not from his country seek that bread in vain ! 140

False in the gorgeous splendour of that state,
Wliere the nutritious grain of foreign soils
Groans on the wharf of speculative trade.
Look round, and see how many wastes extend
Their steril bosoms ; where the yellow broom 145

Tlie blushing eglantine, and snowy thorn.
Like beauteous braids around a harlot's neck.
Spread useless; even where with matron pride.

BLACKIIEATH. 97

The Earth, espoused to Labour, should unveil

Her breast redundant with her children's food. 150

Come Agriculture, independant source
Of public good, and vindicate thy claims !
The rugged mountain, and the desert plain.
Demand thee : — and, with cries, the wretched poor
Gaze, wistful, on the miserable wilds, 155

Imploring thee to save them from the power
Of cold, hard-hearted Avarice ! — O extend
Thy fruitful conquests— thy benignan realm —
And bid thy husbandmen, with proud content
Of generous independance, scorn the gains 160

That greedy Speculation ■wTings from Want.

IIem.4^in there yet some spirits unseduced
By wealth's pervasive pleasures ? Live there yet

98 BLACK HEATH.

Who coldly look upon their neighbour's pomp,

And see;, unemulous^ the chariot grace 165

The gate of haughty meanness ? — who can wrap

Their limbs, unblushing, in their country's fleece ?-—

"Who not disown the cottage ? — who not ask

To steep in juices of the Hesperian vine

That crust which Labour, with determined hand, 170

Disdainful of submission, cheerful reaps

From their abundant country's grateful soil ?

— Preserve them. Guardian Angel of this Isle!

Steel them against the taunts of bloated Pride,

And with that independance that thou lovest, " 175

'Gainst all temptation fortify their hearts.

For should a cruel mercenary power.

Nursed in the bosom of successful trade.

Pervade the realm with venal influence ; —

Chill, poisonous, every patriotic vein, 180

BLACKHEATH. 99

And stifle e'en (he eloquence of Tru<b ;

Still may the State, with all its rights, revive,

Deep rooted 'raid yon corn lands.— -Those bold hands

That hold the plough, and, independant, crush

Their wants beneath the clods, — they shall support 185

The crumbling fiibric of corrupted laws ; —

Thev, like their great forefathers, unsubdued,—

Shall shout amid the storm (the hireling power

Trembling upon its basis ) " Thou art safe

" Britannia !--fear not---thou shalt still be free !" 190

Beside you blossomed brake, where the broad fern
Rears high it's knotted tendrils, and o'erhangs
The saud-pijt's mossy ridge, a wretched man
Drops down his weary limbs in short repose.
His pendant rags display his shrivelled form, — 195

His sunk eyes scowl with famine, — his deep brows^

100 BLACXHEATH.

Contracted with habitual misery, lour, —

And o'er his forehead— o'er his hollow cheeks*

Mingle disease and grief their sallow tints.

— ' Unhappy being, whom each human woe 200

* Hath so severely wounded,— whence art thou ? — -

* And whither tend thy feeble, sorrowing steps ? *

" Alas, I strive to reach my native vale,
" Hence distant many miles ; where fruitful Kent
" Yields richest harvests to the labouring plough 209
" Harvests, which oft these hands have sowed and shared,
" There health and hope smiled on ray youthful days ;
" And Love, with all his promises of joy,
" Whispered soft transports to my throbbing breast.
" Thither I drag this miserable frame 210

" To pine out its sad residue of life
" Upon parochial alms ; — to lay this hcar^

BLACKIIEATH. lOl

" Where, mouldering-, it may mingle v>hh (hat (lust

"^ Parental lessons taught it to revere,

" The dust of it's forefathers ; — if their grave, 215

" That only spot that now retains their name,

" That last inheritance, be not denied !

" Say, would you hear the talc of my sad davs ?---

" Why, once possessed of land and well stored barns,

" I now implore the beggar's scanty boon, 220

" And ask but to possess my father's grave ! —

" Attend ,— -the tale is mournful, but not long.

" One proud, and cold of heart, whose, wealth had grown

" By Indian plunder, purchased large estates,

" Around m.y humble dwelling. He his gold 225

" Proflered to me for those my cherished fields ;—

" Fields that our race, a hardy honest line,

" Had clung to for whole ages ; for with love

'' Fond as the child, who on his mother's breast

103 BLACKHEATH.

*' Presses sweet infant kisses, doted we 230

*' Upon those lands, where, rooted like the oak,

" Our fair report extended far around.

" But who transplants the oak ?---'twere vain to hope

" To tear it up uninjured from it's soil,

" And see it yet survive : its sap would fail, 235

" And thro' the arid boughs a feverish drought

" Swift rushing, would devour the drooping leaves ;

" Burn up the withering branches ; and in scars

" Burst the dry bark, and scathe the lifeless trunk.

'* His proQers I rejected :— then he sought 240

" Means more oppressive ; all the low revenge

" That wealthy Pride imagines when despised : —

" The tortured law was wrested from its sense

** To rack the victim of determined power.

*' But British laws bend not with Indian case : 245

'* The sentence of my honest jurors oft

BLACKIIEATII. 103

" Encouraged my resistance. Yet he slill

" Fostered new pleas ; — suborned a cringing- herd

" Of perjured slaves ; and led from court to court

" A dark, entangled, sophistry of claims, £50

" Embarassing tlie law he could not bribe.

" Around my home he nurtured cruel lies,

" Soul-wounding injuries, to make me quit

" My steadfast hold. Alas, resolved, I held

" Too obstinately firm. I might have saved, 255

" By losing every sense of honest pride

'' la base submission, her I might have saved,

*' Who with torn nerves, all shuddering at my wrongs,

" Fainted and left me ; in her clay-cold arms

" Bearing my clay-cold infant to that grave, — '^QO

" My father's grave ! — the grave that shall be mine !

" Cease agonizing memory, — cease regret !

" Heaven in compassion snatched them from my woes.

104 BLACK HEATH.

" And spread the impenetrable calm of death

" O'er all their sorrows ! — Yet would I repine^— 265

" Yet frequent wish upon the breast of Love

" To breathe ray tortured spirit ;— frequent weep

" That her closed eyes no longer shared my tears ;

" That she no longer to my trembling lips

" Prest my sweet infant^ — for its future days 270

" Uttering her fears in sighs ! — for who can bear

" A load of sufl'erings for himself alone ?

" No, — 'tis for those we love, — for those on whom

" Self rests each sense of happiness, — for those

" We cherish hope, and struggle with the world ! 275

" Deprived of them, the apathy of grief

" O'erwhelras us, — and our best resolves expire.

** Ruined by dark chicane, compelled I left

*' My little patrimony ; — sought, in trade,

** The sustenance of life.— Bankrupt in that, — 280

BLACK HEATH. 105

" For I had neither knowledge, care, nor hope,
" I sunk so deep in sorrow and in want,
" That, as upon a Avorni, the feet of men
" Seemed to tread on me ; and as one who was,
" But is not, I was named— Or, if I craved 285

" Tlie wretch's pittance, where I might have claimed
" The kind return of friendship, T Was spurned
" And shaken off, as the foul spider is,
" Who with his disembowelled thread adheres
" To the disgusted hand. — What then remains ? 290
" A few short days must end this pilgrimage !
" Yes — when upon that earth which oft I've wooed
" With cheerful labour ; — when upon that earth
*' Whose summer verdure gladdened all my toils ;
" When there I shall have crawled, an outcast wretch,
" A miserable stranger, without home, 295

o

1€6 BLACK HE Atrt.

" Then will I quit this last, weak, hold of life.

" F'or there, what thoughts from IMemory shall burst,

" Rending the exhausted fibres of the brain

" With dark recurring sense of blasted hopes ;-- 300

" Of joys torn, bleeding, from the shattered heart; —

" Where they werewoundround Life !---0 God, the past,

" The painful past, seems like some dreadful hand

" Grasping my whole existence.-- -Yet awhile —

" ( 1 must not wrong of these poor bones that grave 305

" Which with parental fondness calls me home )

" — O yet awhile, ye days that rend my soul,

" And Lwill pass the boumls of wretched time,

" And mingk in eternity with you.

" Let me but reach the spot where once ye smiled, 310,

" Tho' black op]wessioB c«rst ye as ye passed, —

" There let me drop, unheeded and despised !

*' Tli« sacred spirits of the forms I loved^

BLACK HEATH, 107

" My parents and ray cbild^ — my tender wife

" Shall bind mc welcome to my father's grave ! " 315

And arc there groans likcihese hi Britain's realm ?—
Whatj doth the very breath that fans the ear
Of generous Freedom bear such woeful plaints.
And from her chosen sanctuary of laws.
Doth Freedom luirl not vengeance on the head 320

Of the Oppressor?-— Powers of Social Right'
Selected few, thro' whose exalted cares
Millions of men sustain the claims of life.
And independant each, — dependant still
Upon the mutual duties of the whole, 32$

They form one great harmonious polity,
The glorious wonder of enlightened man.
The British Constitution ;— -O re^e.pt
That universal Justice.ba,(Jc you gave

108 BLACK HEATH.

(What time ye, first embodied at her call, 330

Stood round her tottering throne ) the wretched poor

From the rude grasp of Avarice and Pride !

Protect the husbandman with strongest laws !

Rescue his pittance from the sordid hands

Of base Monopoly ! O let the field, 335

Where Hope rejoiced beside his strenuous ploughj,

And Plenty yielded to his glad embrace.

While o'er his sickle bending, she would throw

Her autumn tresses on his eager arm, — '

Be still his own '.—Then, as the rooted vine 340

Spreads forth its vigorous branches wide abroad.

And hangs its clusters on the barren elm ;

So should his sons, laborious, far around.

People the waste ; and, with unconquered ploughs.

Spread golden harvests o'er neglected plains, 345

And clothe the rock's forbidding heights with corn.

BLACK HEATH. 109

He shall not ask in vain, who afeks from Earth
The wholesome food of Lal)our : — every want
That Nature, undepravcd, hath laid on man,
Shall fall, like noxious weeds, beneath the plough ; 3M
And in their stead shall genial blessings rise :
Blessings of health, of freedom, of content,—
Unpurchased pleasure, and remorseless joy !
This Lacon thought, when, sad, beneath the weight
Of sorrow and of servitude, he bent, 355

And saw his wife and famished infants clasp
His shuddering bosom, and look up for food !
His eldest girl, Lirina, whose mild form.
E'en in the garb of misery, graceful shone
With beautiful simplicity, would ply 360

Her tedious needle all the live-long day.
And strive, with duteous tenderness, to smile
Sweet comfort thro' a flood of glistening tears.

110 BLACKHEATH.

Ah ! how she loved,— and with how pure a flame

The young Amyntas breathed their mutual hopes, 36^

She Avould almost forget; — nor lei a tear

That had not for its source parental woe

Mix with her parent's sorrows. — 'Twas her pride

To soothe or bear their griefs, and but with (hem

To think of happiness : Thus, o'er its root-.-- 37Q

Its wounded parent-root, the lily droops.

Nor heeds the smiling morn, nor breathing eve.

No, nor the dewy kisses of the air

That sighs beneath the shade ;— but lowly bends

Its tender form, sad, o'er its parent-root, S75

With that recovers, or with that expires.

'Twas hence that vainly all the hopes of Love,

Which ardent youth imagines, flushed the cheeks

And eloquently breathed from the warm lips

Of young Amvntas :>.— lieiice it was that while S80

BLACK HEATH. Ill

His manly beauty, softened by the glow

Of generous adolescence, spake in looks,

(When from the faultering tongue the feeble words

Trembled, unequal to the fervid sense)

It spake almost in vain. — Ere the soft blush, 385

In bright confession, o'er her downcast face

Mantled with orient hue, each gentle glance.

That woidd have beamed with love, was lost in tears :

Her parents sorrows mingled with her sighs.

And, with a chill, that shuddered thro' her frame 390

Her mournful accents breathed a cold adieu.

Awed by such grief, Amyntas dared not urge

His tender suit : — he saw its sacred cause ; —

And, silent, felt his bosom's fondest hopes.

Blending with thoughts of w retchedness, become 395

Corrosive cares : — then first, he longed for wealth :—

Then first, perceived how small his humble cot, —

llg BLACK HEATH.

How scanty, and how poor, his laboured field.
Anxious, and restless, with this new desire.
He scorned the tardy harvest, — left his home, — 400
And sought, in distant climes, those Wealthy stores.
That, healing all her wretched parents wants.
Might soothe Lirina's sorrows into love.

Meantime, by ruthless indigence subdued.
The soul of Lacon stooped to supplicate 405

For public aid : yet with the generous pride
Of manly industry, and conscious power.
That feels its natural aids within itself.
If not denied their natural source, he thus.
Honest of purpose, fearlessly addressed 410

The rulers of his district : " I implore
" The means of sustenance. — I starve : — and those,
" Who call me father, sicken at my side.

BLACKHEATH. 113

*'' Yet, rank me not amid the abject crew,
" That overwhelmed in vice, seek idle bread ; 415

*' Nor thiiik I'd rob the aged and infirm
" Of their poor pittance.— No : — these hands inured
" To honest labour, ask the meed of toil : —
" That bread with which relenting Earth rewards
" The moistened brow of man. — Yon swarthy waste 420
" Whose rugged delves, o'erhung with barren shrubs,
" Yield to the straggling brute his scanty fare ; —
" Yon waste, by human industry subdued,
" Might haply teem with human nutriment !
" Grant me a spot of that neglected soil: — 423

" The morning dew, — the cheerful sun,— the rain,
" And all the aids that heaven delights to grant
" To him who struggles with the earth for food,
" Shall, on the opening furrows, bounteous, smile,
p

114 BLACKHEATH.

" And bless my efforts : — soon the tender root., — 430

" The blossomed herb, — and e'en the nodding sheaf, —

" ( The plenty of content ) shall be our own !

" Well-pleased ye shall behold our humble liut

" Encircled with its blessings : — ye shall hear

*' The mingled gratitude to 3'ou and heaven 435

" Hymned from our cheerful hearts. — So shall ye raise

" (And, with unburdened bounty, raise) from woe

'' Him, and his fainting wife, and wretched babes i

" Who, else dependant on parochial alms,

" Must eat the bread of charity and scorn,— 440"

*-' Loathing the very life your cares sustain ! "

He spake, and gaiu'dhis prayer: — For who with-holds
The consentaneous wish and favouring aid
From generous Industry ?— Who not applauds.
When, firm, relying on itself and heaven, 445

BLACKHEATH. 115

The human soul looks fearless upon life.

And dares trace out its individual path.

Not separate, — yet its own ? — Cruel is he.

Lost to all sense of social gomi, whose hand.

Stifling the honest pride of conscious worth, 450

Restrains the independance of the poor.

Not dark of soul, oblivious of maukindj
Involved in self, were those who heard the prayer
Of humble Lacon. They, with mild accord.
And contribution of such present aid, 455

As might procure him implements and food.
Placed future good within the reach of toil.
And gave exertion hope. Where thro' the sands,
A bubbling stream pursued its channelled course.
Banked with light ridges of the crumbling glebe, 460
Ajid skirted with loose herbagej they assigned

116 BLACKHEATH.

The basis of his wishes. Straight arose

The thatch of interwoven boughs ; — the walls.

Clay-built;, but bright with chalky that 'gainst the sun

Shone cheerful ; — and the willow fence, still green 465

With its surviving foliage, twisted round.

Ah, what sensations mingled in the smile.

With which the parent saw his infants' hands

Toil sportful, — rending up the matted weeds ;

The thorny furze ; the heath, and shadowy fern. 470

To him they seemed as if from Nature's breast

Their little fingers tore away the veil.

To press her milky treasures.— Now the spade.

Incessant labouring, shakes the adhesive sod,

'Till freely each expanded pore imbibes 475

The fragrant air ; the softly oozing dew ;

The life-exciting heat, and genial showers.

The powers of vegetation feel the aid;

BLACKHEATH. 117

Where long supine they spread their stagnate veins

Thej now, with vivifying force, rolled on. 480

To them confided, lo, the embrio bursts

Its husky shell, and hastens to indulge

In draughts of generous light: — the sprouting root

Protrudes its eager fibres, and connects

Its wide prolific family beneath 485

The fostering mould : — the plant of firmer stem

Draws, thro its myriad tubes, the vital streams.

Breathing with ample leaves the ambient air.

How anxiously he watched each tender growth
When from the humble duties of the day, 49D

Which now were brightened with the thoughts of home,
A home replete with hope, cheerful he came.
His bosom's partner, soothed by happier scenes.
Bade thro' tbp''r "rit congenial neatness smile.

118 BLACK HEATH.

And bljtlie domestic comfort : — crowding round, 49^

The joyous children told their mirthful tasks;—

The weeded borders ;— or the high-piled furze; —

Or headstrong swine (his generous master's gift;)

Which strayed from home, the whole surrounding troop

In loose array, could scarce, with urgent shout?, 300

Amid the brakes and brambled paths constrain.

But all, how sweet was his Lirina's voice

Uttering the mixed sensations of her soul !

A tender slip of vine and ruddy plum.

Her pleasing charge, already spread their leaves 503

Around the lattice: — o'er an arboured seat.

Her chief delight, she taught the twining bean

To wind its scarlet bloom : and, round an arch

Of twisted willows, bade the woodbine creep.

With the rose-blossomed briar ; while, below, 510

The salTron stcrtioa skirted the rich sides

BLACK HEATH. Hi)

*
Mixed with the pea s bright purple. There she'd sit.

With mild attention to hci' needle's toil.
While her fond mind indulged its wandering thoughts:
There would its fears, anxieties, and hopes, 515

Winged with surmises, stretch their rapid flight.
With tender interest in Amvntas' fate.
Less widely circling flies the eager dove-
Floats, wheeling on still pinions ; or from higbj
In spiral flight ascending, darts her gaze 620

O'er distant regions, anxious for her mate ;
Whom, or the ruthless fowler, or the kite,
Hath made his bleeding prey :— in vain she soars —
In vain she winds her still repeated round-
Cooes loud and mournful : while the dew of eve 525
Drops on her heavy pinions, and she moans.
Alone and wakeful, 'mid her native grove.
And thus, with more exteosive flight of mind.

120 BLACK HEATH.

The tender maiden fondly thought of him.

For whom, 'till now, she had not dared to sigh. 530

Meantime the circling years, each than the last
More bountiful of good, round Logon's cot
Redundant bloomed : — the luxuries of toil.
Gay vigour, blythe content, and ruddy health.
Empurpled the bright cup of industry. 535

Still in each year remembej ed rose that day,
( An annual festival) — the day, which gave
Strength to his hope, and ardour to his toil.
With it, o'er Lacon's cheerful mind arose
Renewed sensations : — pious gratitude, 340

The tender memory of vanquished woe.
And generous exultation ( virtue's pride.
Her just designs accomplished.) — For that day
Liuina's hands had ranged the cheerful feast.

BLACK HEATH. 121

Her arbour, rich with Nature's brightest tints, 545

Brilliant with sunshine,— breathing w ith perfume,—

Received Ler parents ; while the genial board.

Crowned with the sweets of Labour, stood beside.

Surrounded bj a sprightly youthful troop.

Then honest Lacon, on whose hardy front 550

Beamed fond emotions, unrcpressed, and full.

Looked up to Heaven with fervour, and exclaimed,

" Thank God we eat the happy bread of toil !

" Thank God — for he hath blessed us ! When he gave

" Labour and Earth, he gave us every good! — 555

" My children, my loved children, ask no more !

" While ye have earth, determined hands, and heaven, —

" Look in yourselves for jo}^, and ye shall find

" Such honest transport as your father feels I " *

* I should wrong the above Episode of an interest due to it, were
I to with-hold from iny reader, that the principle incident is founded on a

123 BLACK HEATH.

As he thus spake, he pressed their lifted hands, 560
And, with a glance that uttered happiness.
Smiled on their mother :— e'en Lirina's heart
Throbbed with the gentle sympathy of joy !
When lo, a sigh was heard, that pierced her soul ;
And thus a mournful, well-known voice exclaimed— 565

fact wliicl) occurred under my own observation. A gardener, employed
at a large school in the county of Kent, was reduced by sickness and
the encumberance of a numerous family to the utmost distress. The
workhouse seemed his only resource. To his master, who was officia-
ting minister at the Parish Church, he ventured to regret that he had
not possessed a small piece of ground, by the cultivation of which, he
was coulident he could have supplied all his wants. The Clergyman
perceived that the genuine honest industry of nature dictated the idea,
and with real benevolence determined to support it. He encouraged
the man to apply at a vestry meeting, for a piece of waste grouHd
belonging to the parish, and seconded his application. The ground
was granted : a contribution was proposed ; and tiie young gentlemen
of the school raised, among themselves a considerable sum. A cottage
was built similar to that described in the poem, and there the gardener
and his family reside, and are rising to a degree of prosperity which,
but a few years ago, was beyond their utmost expectations.

Such examples as these are numerous in Mr. Pratt's notes to his
poem of ' Bread, or the Poou.' To them, as well as to the excellent
observations which he deduces from them, I refer my reader.

BLACK HEATH. 123

" O Lacon, may these sordid liands approach

" Thy hallowed board '^ — ah no ! — I feel how poor,—

" How mean, — how servile, are tliose stores of wealth,

" Won by destructive, and rapacious cares !

" False wealth !— thou art not worth Lirina's love 570

" Her father's wants despise thy feeble aid:-—

" His strenuous arm hath cancelled them for joys,—

" Joys that thou canst not equal ! — Yet permit

" This wealth, sweset maid, in thy instructed hands

" To succour thousands !— teach it how to bless I 575

" Teach it to raise the cot, — to plant the waste, —

" To animate the hopes of arduous toil,

" And people, "with content, the desert plain I

'' O be my better angel !— Be my guide !

" Revive Amyntas with thy heavenly smiles ! 580

" Restore him to himself '.—scatter this gold

'' With open hand ; as when the farmer throws

124 BLACK HEATH.

" Wide o'er the furrowed field the fruitful corn •-•!■-.
" The harvest shall be happiness and love !"

While he yet spake^ the quick recurring blush 585

Spake tlie soft tumult of Lirina's soul !

Upon her mother's bosom, half concealed.

Hung down her burning cheek ; — yet her fond eye

Upon Amyntas fixt its humid gaze ;

As one who marks a new discovered star, 590

And fears to lose it in the expanse of heaven !

While thus her father to the youth replied —
" Welcome Amyntas— welcome to a home,

" Of which thy heart acknowledges the worth !

" The independant home of gay Content ; 595

" Where the light wants of Nature gently rouse

" The genial cares, and summon healthful toil

" To meet the kindling morning, and imbibe

BLACKHEATFI 125

" The freshening moisture of the opening earth I

" Welcome ! — who feels the worth of such a home 600

" Cannot have heaped the spoils of eager guilt :

'' Wealth, when by just, benignant, Commerce given,

" Is both the produce, and the source of good ! —

" Welcome, fond Youth ! and hear a father boast:— -

" And tho' thou hast a lover's ardent tongue, G05

" Yet shalt thou not outpraise me in my theme !

" A real treasure 1 bestow on thee !

" Tho' thou hadst gold in heaps that touched the heavens,

" And orient gems unnumbered as the stars —

" Thou couldst not match my gift' —-he whose blest hand^

" Consign a duteous daughter to her spouse, 610

" Bestows a pledge of every earthly bliss !

" Forgive me if I yield thee this, with tears !

" Fond confidence, domestic love, eontent,

'" Unsullied health, long life, protecting heaven, CI 5

126

BLACKHEATH.

" Fulfil each hope that from your father's heart
'' Breathes in this praver-— " The Eternal Father
bless you ! "

He said : and left Lirina's trembling hand
Lacked in her lover's ;— left her blushing cheek.
That, while he spake, clung fearful to his arm.
Reclined, all yielding, on A.myntas' breast !

62a

GATEWAY IN VANBURGH FIELDS.

BLACKHEATH :

A MORNING WALK IN THE SPRING

1804.

CANTO FItTH.

Alas, how rapid fly the matin hours !

Hours by the mlse beloved ; — hours mild and pure,

Wide shedding round their tender influence.

As erateful to the soul, as is the warmth

Of their new beams to every opening flower ; —

As are their robes of renovated light

To all that live ! — O yet, ye gentlest hours,

Ye balmy-winged companions of the Muse,

O yet, ere fervid Day, with all its cares,

128 BLACK HEATH.

Usurp your pleasing empire, breathe the calm 10

Of MENTAL INDEPENDANCE O'cr mj bfCast !

For in the circlet of your hands alone.

What time ye from the East your early dance

Lead forth, with smiles of jocund innocence

Purpling the expanded heavens, exists that flame l^

That wakes the soul to Nature and the Muse !

'Tis now luxurious Pride and eager Care

O'erwhclmed, in restless langour, fearful lie.

And struggle for repose. The scalding tear.

That from the eye of Misery all night long 20

Moistened the sleepless pillow, ceases now,—

And round its arid, slowly-closing fount,

Float dreams of hope, light-shaken from your wings I

Thrice happy ! happiest of the human race
Is he who with the ascending lark beholds 35

BLACK HEATH. 129

Your starry-forchcads. Hours of Morning, beam
Clear o'er the shadowy twilight! — who the grass.
Brilliant with dew, or web-cnvellopcd moss.
Treads uiironfined, what time your softest rays
O'er every dew-drop, and each silvery web, 30

Blithsome ye throw !-— for whom the blossomed Heath,
Conscious of you, with fragrant incense steams.
And fills the ])rightening ether, not in vain.
With breathing sweetness : — whom, the living song.
Chirped quick, or warbled thro' connecting notes, 35
Inciting you, ere yet your yellow hair
Floats, glistening, on the horizon's vapoury bounds.
Wins to sweet sense of lively melody.
To him the world, with its commingling griefs.
Its hopes, its terrors, like a distant storm, 40

Which, long foreseen, the sheltered herdsman views,
R

130 BLACK HEATH.

And with reefed sails tlie wary seaman braves.

Appears undreaded. Wisdom, Virtue, Truth,

And vigorous Health, and independant Mind,

Confessed in all their beauteous forms, with you, 45

Ye best of Hours, instruct and animate

His ardent breast to meet the cares of day ;—

To see his hopes fall round him unconcerned ;—

To feel the scorn of Pride without a groan ; —

To view, without a fear, the front of want ; — 50

And struggle 'gainst oppression, tho', with arm

Gigantic, it would crush him to the earth.

O Thou, best, only, source of human bliss.
Pervasive Soul ! — etherial radiance ! — God ! —
From whose eternal presence, these chaste Hours, 65
Walk forth in all thy purity, — vouchsafe
To let their influence rest on me this day ?

BLACKHEATH. 131

Let that great sense of thee, which gk)ws in them,

Support me !— nor permit tlie mental part.

That thinks within mc, and thy essence claims 60

By sympathy with the creative good.

Which, softened, vivifies the tender morn.

Sink low, debased, beneath a tyrant world ;

But thro' its duties, fearless, let it move.

Thyself, the Muse, and Science, all its joys ! 65

Whither would'st thou my vagrant steps entice.
Sweet Spirit of Expression, gentle Muse,
(If thou indeed dost hover o'er my path.
And deign'st impart thy numbers to my lay, •
Breathing ideas from every living scene ; ) 70

O, whither would'st thou turn my truant feet.
When toil, and care, and duty call me home ?
Would'st thou, along the river's breezy bank.

132 BLACKHEATH.

Admire the light that se^ms to mount each wave.

Then backward rolls, refulgent, from the shore ? 75

Or watch the dark cloud with its hasty shower

Thrown pattering on the bosom of the Thames ?

Or catch the varying objects floating round.

And fix them with the pencil of the mind ? —

Rocked by the unsteady stream, the tilting boat 80

Straining its anchored bow ;— the flying sail.

Now dingy with deep shadow, now, with beams

Of snowy brightness, glistening o'er its course;—

The grey-winged sea-gull, that, along the waves.

Stoops in slow flight, and dips her mottled plumes, 85

And flaps her heavy pinions as she soars ;■ —

Or, would'st thou lead me o'er the verdant marsh.

Where, 'gainst the urgent waves embanked, it spreads

Its flowery herbage : there, the plover skims.

With wailful cry, along the sedgy dykes ; 9Q

BLACKHEATH. 133

And water-locusts, on pellucid wings

Azure or green, flit, circling, o'er the stream.

Or, lightly settling on the tremulous reeds.

Spread their cerulean vans, like glossy leases

Of some rich flower ; 'till, quick, they glance away 95

In fluttering chase, pursuing or pursued.

There the black oxen browze the lofty grass

In pictured groups ; or on the clammy mound

Stray singly, lashing slowly from their sides

The buzzing swarms that rise along their path.* 100

Or yon romantic slopes would'st thou attempt.

Where, down each dark declivity, rich shade

Lies in broad folds ?— Lo, there, with pendant boughs.

The thick shrubs cling, and straggling oaks protrude

* and from bis sides

The troublous insects lasbes with bis tail,

Returning still.

Thomson's Summer.

134 BLACK HEATH.

Their pollard trunks, with ivy close enwreathed ; 105

While slender ashlins, o'er the stony brow.

Bend their grey steniSj and quiver in the breeze.

There, the loud cuckoo rings her double chime.

While, softly sweet, the blackbird fills the air

With amorous descant, and the chattering jay, 110

On streaky plumage, rustles thro' the wood.

Or would '«t thou wander where the turrets rise

Of Charlton's fane, where deeper foliage spreads.

And Cultivation, with luxuriant vest.

Robes the rich height : on this side, numerous hills 115

More rudely heave their rugged, chalky, forms.

And the dark, hollow, valley sinks, between.

Its fearful depths : there, the wide-wandering sheep

Climb the steep sides, and bleat along^the ridge.

There, oft, within some cavity obscure, 125

Where the chalk crumbles, and the sallow smoke

^^

^

4

^

^.

BLACKHEATH. 13!?

Rolls heavy from the calcined lime below.

The wizard gypsies, and their bantling crew.

Huddle together thro' the stormy night ;

Heedless of ill, their stolen feast enjoy ; 12^

And slumber sound, tlio' loud the rattling blasj.

Beat on their canvas awning, and the elm.

Whose fibrous roots creep thick across their cave,

Creak fearful as it rocks above their heads.

O might I rove with thee, sweet Power of Song,
And trace each aspect of the varying hours : — ISO

Whether the broad impervious flood of noon,
A radiant ocean, drown the southern hills.
And pour, refulgent, o'er the dazzling meads ; —
Or evening draw the fretted clouds aslant, 13q

Marking the ethereal current of the breeze.
In silvery stripes, what time the crescent moon.

136 BLACK HEATH;

Light glimmering, trembles thro' their floating ranks ;--^

Or, in deep masses, indistinct and vast.

The broken darkness rolls along the vales> 140

And every sound, slow-undulating, spreads.

Filling the hollow concave of the heavens.

As tho' the solemn footsteps of the night

Stopped, pausing, 'mid the echoes of the hills.

Then might I frequent climb yon tower crowned steep,*

And yield to thee and Fancy every thought.

Wide wafted on the rapid solar beams.

That glance across the prospect ; — or, amid

Shadows confused, far mingling their loose forms

O'er the uncertain objects, musing mark 150

* Shooter's HiLt. The tower upon Sheoter's Hill, was erected
by the Lady of Sir William James, in commemoration of the taking
of Severn-Droog Castle, on the coast of Malabar, April 2nd, 1755-
It is built after the model of the Indian fortress, and its vestibule is
ornameoted with armour and trophies taken theie by Sir William.

BLACKIIEATH. I37

Each indistinct, faint murmur of the world ;

Smile at tumultuous Folly's eagef cares ;

And scorn the insatiate wants of clamorous Vice.

Nature with mental pleasure fills each hour.

And pours a current of perpetual joy 155

Thro' all her vast variety of scene :

Each moment, silent, works some magic change.

And the whole day, diversified, invites

The unwearied admiration of mankind !

What then the year ? — its variegated months, 160

Its seasons, stronger marked, that touch the mind
With such fond awe, that e'en the insensate owns
The great creative spirit as it moves.
Eternal, thro' its infinite of forms.

Then whether Summer reign ; or bloomy Spring :
Or jocund Autumn, 'raid his golden sheaves.

139 BLACK HEATH.

Who, with delicious blush of mellow fruit.

Laughs merrily, e'en while the genial power.

His every end accomplished, slow retires.

And shakes the withering foliage from his robes; — 170

Or Winter, wide across the glittering scene.

Shower lucid snow ; while, rising in the north.

The keen winged breezes beat their crackling plumes.

Scattering the pointed frost drops thro' the air.

And o'er the rattling boughs, suspended thick, 175

The dripling crystal sparkles in the sun ;—

Thou should'st not call me. Gentle Muse in vain:

No — thro' all Nature's paths I'd follow thee.

Could I but burst the torpid chain of want.

Then whatsoe'er thy theme; — the heath — the mead — 180

The murmuring streamlet, or the boisterous wave —

The wood — the lake — the mountain — valley — rock —

The stormy clouds — the winds— the orbs of heaven —

BLACK HEATH. 139

Or life in all its forms — or human mind^ —

The expanding bosom and enlightened soul ; — 185

Whate'er thy theme, I'd yield each thought to thee,

Wooe all thy impulse. Thou expressive Power ;

Till the full utterance trembled on my lips.

And raised my hymn thro' Nature to her God !

Then, might I not refrain to climb the brow 190
Of yon broad hill, where India's captive tower *
Frowns, like a bondaged giant, o'er the steep.
Who, mocked with trophies of his former strength.
Is borne aloft, the triumph of his foe.
Then, when the Spring, as now, with wanton wreaths
Blossoms the boughs, and o'er the enlivened mead 195
Scatters light verdure, scatters tinted flowers.
Scatters soft fragrance on each ambient gale,

* Shooter's Hill. See the note at verse 145.

140 BLACKHEATH.

Scatters prolific moisture from the sky

While plajful sunbeams dart amid the showers, 200

Oft may I, from yon hill, on evening's beams

Gaze with delight, what time, with faintest glow

The expiring purple trembles o'er the sky.

And scarce those topmost battlements preserve

The last pale glimmer of departed day. 205

Then, 'mid the shrubs that skirt the sloping ridge.

And rudely vest the rugged steep beneath.

The blackbird sings his vespers ; and the thrush.

Whirring thro' every coppice, pours his note

With wilder cadence : — then, each object round, 210

In soft succession, seems to fade away.

And tender shadows, deepening as they blend.

Roll slowly upward from the darkened vales.

Cling to the hills, and on the cloudless air

Steam, maqtiing, 'mid the lingering flush of day. 215

BLACKHEATH. 141

"Yet still the dim, uncertain, scene delights ;—

While, fearfully obscure, a shapeless mass

Of houses, hills, and woods, o'erwhelms the scene.

The slender spire of Eltham seems to pierce

Thro' the deep gloom ; and, in their misty forms, 220

Yon rows of elms spread with enormous shade :

Where, with incessant voice, the busy rooks

Flit o'er their airy dwellings : — wide around

The glimmering tapers glance their feeble beams ;--

The lattice flashes with the wavering blaze 22^

Of the blown embers :---o'er the river rolls *

A gleamy mist :— the vessels, still discerned.

Move heavily along ; while, here and there.

The lamp's pale radiance glitters on the waves :—

# the dim-seen river seems

Sullen and slow, to roll the misty wave.

Thomson.

143 BlACK HEATH.

E'en yon vast city, to the attentive eye, 230

Swells shadowy, with its high cathedral dome.
Majestic, like some towering, sculptured, rock
That dents the horizon of the Indian main.

A DEEPER flow of shadow, eastward, plays
In dusky folds, and o'er the landscape curls 235

Its vapoury forms :— there, travellers are heard
With hasty footsteps echoing on the path :—
The distant wheel — the hoof resounding quick—
At intervals disturb the silent air :-—
And, frequent, where the waves encurve their course 240
A soft light sparkles : — o'er the leafy banks
A snowy brilliance, hesitating, floats ; —
Or on these lofty turrets, glittering rests :
A brightening azure mantles o'er the heavens : —
The Horizon shines intense ; — and soon appears, 245

BLACKHEATH. U3

Jn all the placid splendour of her beams.

The broad orbed moon, who throws o'er all the scene.

In mild suffusion, her irradiate calm.

Nor when the fervid Summer thro' the air
Elances swift the lucid shafts of heat, ?50

Would I neglect to climb this glowing height,
Tho' then the dazzling ether, full of Noon,
Stream thro' the tepid scene :— then, rich around.
The glossy verdure, streaked with gaudy tints.
Flaunts in the light, or, where the mowers bend 253
O'er the wide sweeping circuit of their scythes,
Falls in thick wavy heaps, and sheds abroad
Soft balmy odour as, embrowned, it dies.
Yet, 'mid the million tribes of bladed grass.
That with their dewy green invest the fields, 360

But one, of all the expiring mead, emits

144 BLACK HEATH.

The fragrant spirit that pervades the whole ; —

So as the scythe of Deaths tremendous, sweeps

Among the generations of mankind,—

The few, alas the very few, who seek 265

The generous fame of virtue, and exalt

The ethereal vigour of expanding soul

Above the torpid crowd, those few alone

Embalm whole ages with their sacred names.

And shed rich odours o'er the fields of Time I 270

But whither leads the Muse my vagrant thoughts ?
Why thus seduce me from diurnal toil ?
Why thus, with voice more sweet than when the lute
Swells full of Love throughout the Italian night.
Excite my soul to leave its world of woe, 275

And wing its flight up yonder hill with thee ? —
Alas, not now : — a happier day ipay come

BLACK HEATH.

145

(So Hope, deceitful still, yet still believed.
In siren music, whispers) — yes — a day
When, free from pale anxiety, each thought
May dart to thee delighted, and partake
The living impulse kindled by thy touch
O'er all the varying works of Nature's power I

280

IRON BRIDGE IN LEE VALE.

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